Pinched Nerve in the Spinal Column

A pinched nerve results from a nerve coming under pressure from surrounding bone, muscle, cartilage or other tissue, causing pain, tingling sensations and impaired function. A pinched nerve can occur in many areas of the body, but the spine, with its complex skeletal structure and roots of many nerves, is a common site. Most spinal pinched nerves occur in the lower back (pinched lumbar nerve) and neck regions (pinched cervical nerve). Depending on the nerves affected, the sensation may extend down the buttocks and legs or through the neck, shoulders, arms and fingers. Sciatica, characterized by shooting pain in the legs, is a type of lumbar pinched nerve resulting from a pinched sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, reaching from the base of the spine to the soles of the feet. If the pressure on the nerves is only temporary, the symptoms of pinched nerve will resolve on their own, and full functioning will return. However, if constant compression on the nerve is not relieved, pinched nerve can result in weakness, loss of reflexes and motor skills, and atrophy, or withering of affected muscles.

Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Treatment of Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerve and many other spinal problems can be avoided by maintaining good posture, remaining fit and at a reasonable weight, and avoiding unnecessarily straining the back. Treatment options for pinched nerve therapy include rest, exercises and manipulation to relieve pressure on the nerves, and medication to relax muscles and reduce inflammation of affected nerves. Surgery for pinched nerve has been the treatment of last resort for pinched nerve and other spinal problems. Today, minimally invasive spinal surgery such as laser spinal surgery offers safe and effective alternatives to traditional surgical solutions. At New Jersey Spinal Specialists in Summit and Montclair, our board certified physicians treat patients from around the world, and locally from communities including Maplewood, Watchung, Morristown, Madison, Basking Ridge, and communities throughout the region seeking the very best in advanced spinal care for pinched nerve and other spinal problems. If you’d like to learn more about what our state-of-the-art approaches and solutions can do for you, call or email us to schedule a consultation with a top spine surgeon near you in NJ.

Contact Us! Fill in the form below