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

Think of a pinched nerve like a garden hose with an obstruction. Just like water flows through a hose, our nerves carry electrical signals from the brain to different body parts, so we can feel different sensations. When a nerve gets pinched, it’s like having a blockage in the hose. The flow of signals (a nerve’s normal function) is disrupted when surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, or tendons, apply excessive pressure. This leads to pain, tingling, or weakness in the area supplied by the affected nerve.

While pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body, they mainly afflict the spine and back, often causing discomfort or debilitating pain that interferes with everyday life. Removing the obstruction, either through conservative treatments or minimally invasive procedures, helps nerves resume their normal function. Our treatment team at CT Spine & Orthopedic will work to evaluate your medical records and get you the care you need for your pinched nerve in Stamford, CT. 

Common Causes of Pinched Nerve in Stamford, CT

One reason that a pinched nerve may develop is due to a disc herniation in the spine. When a disc between vertebrae protrudes or ruptures, it can exert pressure on nearby nerves. Degenerative changes in the spine, such as spinal stenosis, can also contribute to nerve compression. Spinal stenosis, involving the narrowing of the spinal canal, may happen due to aging, arthritis, or other structural abnormalities.

Outside of the spine, pinched nerves can also take place in various other areas of the body. Factors like repetitive motion or overuse of certain body parts can lead to nerve compression. Inflammation and swelling in the surrounding tissues, often associated with disorders like tendinitis, can also contribute to nerve compression.

Individuals with particular medical issues such as diabetes or obesity may increase their risk of developing a pinched nerve, as they can cause nerve damage or put additional stress on nerves throughout the body. Our team in Stamford, CT can help identify the underlying cause of a pinched nerve and determine an effective treatment option for symptom relief.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Someone with a pinched nerve may experience various signs, including localized pain that radiates to other areas of the body. Numbness or tingling sensations, often described as “pins and needles,” can also be present in the affected region. Muscle weakness is also a common symptom of pinched nerves, which makes it challenging to perform regular tasks.

There’s also the danger of muscle atrophy brought about by prolonged nerve compression. If left untreated, pinched nerves can lead to long-term nerve impairment, weakness, loss of function, and possibly permanent damage to the affected muscles. Seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms are present is highly advisable to help alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

Pinched Nerve Treatments in Stamford, CT

Minimally invasive surgeries might be recommended if conservative approaches such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications have not helped alleviate pinched nerve symptoms. These procedures help reduce pain, improve nerve function, and promote faster recovery. Minimally invasive procedures commonly used to treat pinched nerves include:

• Epidural Steroid Injections: This involves injecting corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space around the affected nerve root for precise targeting. The effects of epidural steroid injections can vary from temporary relief to longer-lasting pain and inflammation reduction.
• Nerve Root Blocks: A local anesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid medication, is injected into the area surrounding the affected nerve root to block pain signals and reduce inflammation. Nerve block injections can provide short-term pain relief and help diagnose the exact location of a pinched nerve.
• Facet Joint Injections: Facet joints of the spine can be a source of pain when they become inflamed due to pressure on the nerves. Injecting an anesthetic and a corticosteroid medication into the affected joints can relieve inflammation and alleviate pain associated with the pinched nerve.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This procedure uses heat generated by radiofrequency waves to selectively destroy the targeted nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. The procedure is usually done under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement of the ablation when treating chronic pain conditions, including pinched nerves.
• Endoscopic Discectomy: Orthopedic surgeons use this minimally invasive surgery to treat pinched nerves caused by herniated discs. A small endoscope is inserted into the affected area through a tiny incision that allows a surgeon to visualize the herniated disc and remove the extruded portion.
• Spinal Decompression: Techniques such as laminotomy and laminectomy use specialized instruments to remove or shrink the material causing nerve compression. 

The type of treatment used depends on various factors, including the severity of the pinched nerve, the location, and the underlying cause. While these minimally invasive procedures are generally considered safe, it’s advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist or neurosurgeon to help you determine the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.

Contact a Stamford, CT Pinched Nerve Specialist at CT Spine & Orthopedic in Stamford, CT Today

A pinched nerve can cause significant discomfort and hinder daily life. If you’re experiencing any of the discussed symptoms, take the first step towards a pain-free life by contacting CT Spine & Orthopedic. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and offer a range of advanced treatments, including minimally invasive techniques, to promote a faster recovery time.

Our compassionate team of board-certified orthopedic specialists and physicians is ready to assist you in finding relief from pinched nerve symptoms in Stamford, CT. Call us at (866) 553-0612 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.