Pinched Nerve: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments in Greenwich, CT

A pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, is a condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and other related symptoms. Any nerve in the body can become compressed, irritated, or damaged by surrounding structures such as bones, muscles, or tendons. An accurate diagnosis is necessary so that the ideal treatment can be determined to prevent debilitating pain and limitations in daily activities. 

At CT Spine & Orthopedic, we understand the impact of pinched nerves on your quality of life. Our board-certified orthopedic specialists and physicians in Greenwich, CT are dedicated to providing you with the most advanced and effective treatments, utilizing minimally invasive techniques to ensure faster recovery times and optimal outcomes. We can evaluate your medical records and determine the best treatment plan for your needs. 

What Causes Pinched Nerves?

Pinched nerves can stem from multiple factors, but the most common are herniated discs, spinal bone spurs, or osteoarthritis. The spine is made up of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs. When a disc becomes herniated or bulges out of its normal position, often due to wear and tear or injury to the spine, it presses against nearby nerves to cause pain and other symptoms.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can wear down the cartilage between joints and lead to the formation of bone spurs. These bone spurs encroach on the space around nerves, causing compression and pinching. Spinal stenosis is also a contributing condition because it causes a narrowing of the spinal canal due to several factors like age-related spine degeneration, bone overgrowth, or thickened ligaments.

Another cause of pinched nerves is engaging in repetitive motions or activities for prolonged periods. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Also, poor posture, pregnancy, and traumatic injuries can all potentially cause nerve issues.

Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Although an official diagnosis of a pinched nerve is necessary, individuals often feel pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, which may spread along the nerve pathway. For instance, a pinched nerve in the neck may cause these symptoms in the shoulder, arm, or hand, while one in the lower back can affect the hip, leg, or foot. If you catch these symptoms early on, consult an expert in orthopedics for a diagnosis.

They can combine a medical history assessment, a physical examination, and diagnostic tools like MRI, electromyography (EMG), or nerve conduction studies (NCS) to identify the affected nerves. With this information, a nerve specialist can pinpoint any related neurological conditions and recommend an appropriate medical approach.

Pinched Nerve Treatments in Greenwich, CT

When treating pinched nerves in Greenwich, CT, conservative methods like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications are the first to be recommended. An CT Spine & Orthopedic nerve specialist may explore minimally invasive surgical options if non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief. 

These methods minimize tissue damage, which translates to quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries. This means our patients can return to daily activities sooner and experience less postoperative discomfort. Available minimally invasive surgical options include the following procedures:

• Epidural Steroids: These injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerves, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Nerve Root Block: In this procedure, a local anesthetic or corticosteroid is injected near the affected nerve root to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Laminectomy: This surgery removes some, if not all, of the diseased or affected vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Endoscopic Discectomy: If a herniated disc is causing your pinched nerve pain, a surgeon will perform this procedure using an endoscope to remove a portion of the disc that may be pressing on a nerve in the spine.
• Lumbar Fusion: This surgical procedure treats spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease by stabilizing the spine and relieving pinched nerve pain.
• Scoliosis Surgery: A spine surgeon uses this minimally invasive approach to correct spinal curvature, decrease pinched nerve pain, and improve the patient’s condition.
• Decompression Surgery: In more severe cases, a lumbar decompression may be necessary to remove or trim the structures, such as bone or tissue, that could be compressing the nerve to relieve pressure.

Someone suspected of having pinched nerves should see a neurologist or orthopedist if they experience persistent or worsening pain, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications. An untreated pinched nerve can lead to chronic pain, muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and in severe cases, long-term nerve damage or even paralysis in the affected area.

Contact the  Greenwich Pinched Nerve Specialists at CT Spine & Orthopedic Today

Living with a pinched nerve can be challenging, yet relief is within reach with the right medical team and expert care. If you’re in Greenwich, CT and seeking relief from pinched nerve symptoms, the specialists at CT Spine & Orthopedic can help. Our award-winning surgeons have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating pinched nerves in Greenwich, CT, among other back and spine conditions using the latest research, technology, and minimally invasive procedures.

We prioritize your well-being and are committed to alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by pinched nerves, deformities, degenerative disc diseases, traumas, or previous failed surgeries. Call (866) 553-0612 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a comprehensive consultation today.