Electrochemical impulses travel between the brain and the body via the nerves. When a nerve becomes pinched (or compressed), you may suffer from muscular weakness and sensations such as pain, pins-and-needles, or loss of feeling. Permanent damage, evident in muscular atrophy and weakness, can arise from nerve compression.
A person is usually able to recover from nerve compression or pinching, provided they receive proper care. By considering signs and symptoms, you can have a better idea what is happening and whether professional intervention is needed. If you do feel you are experiencing nerve compression, you can avoid ongoing disruption and discomfort with the best pinched nerve treatment Bakersfield and Shafter have to offer.
What Does it Mean When a Nerve is Pinched?
There are two types of nerves: motor (efferent) and sensory (afferent). Motor nerves take messages from the brain to all other parts of the body. The brain is able to control the rest of the body through this network, as when it sends instructions to increase or decrease heart rate. Meanwhile, sensations such as touch, smell, temperature, and pain send their findings to the brain for processing.
Similar to electrical cords, the nerves serve as conduits for electrical signals. If there is disruption of the nervous system's ability to get through one of these messages, it is often caused by a compressed or pinched nerve, in which pressure on the nerve causes it to malfunction. In these situations, with pinched nerve treatment, Shafter and Bakersfield patients can quickly and safely recover.
Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
If your nerve is pinched, you will typically experience some of these signs and symptoms:
- Loss of feeling or numbness surrounding the nerve;
- A burning, aching, or intense pain sensation, possibly shooting farther down the legs or arms (see below section);
- Paresthesia, in which the impacted part of the body "falls asleep" or tingles; or
- A decline in muscular strength in the region.
The abnormal sensations that tend to occur in response to a pinched nerve are often worse during sleep.
Examples of Radiating Pain from a Pinched Nerve
The potential for radiating pain from a pinched nerve is clear in the following three examples:
- You may experience pain or other sensations in your arm from a pinched nerve in your neck.
- You may have symptoms in your leg in response to lower-back nerve compression.
- The middle fingers, index fingers, and thumbs can become painful when carpal tunnel syndrome results in a compressed nerve at the wrist.
Getting Help
Are you in need of a safe and effective pinched nerve treatment? Shafter and Bakersfield residents can benefit from the development of a holistic plan that uses nonsurgical, minimally invasive methods for pain treatment. Contact Envista Medical today to schedule an appointment!