Pinched Nerve

Understanding Pinched Nerve and the treatments available to you.

Diagnosis and Treatments for Pinched Nerves in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

A pinched nerve is a common experience for many individuals. It can describe a painful medical condition known as radiculopathy (cervical) that radiates from the neck. In addition, some conditions affect other parts of the body and also involve a compressed or irritated nerve near the spine. Pinched nerve treatments are available to relieve these pains at Southlake Orthopaedics. With office locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, physicians serve patients throughout central Alabama.

Pinched Nerve Symptoms

As with many conditions that impact the nerves, pinched nerve symptoms can include tingling and numbness in the extremities, especially the arms, and hands. Individuals may feel a pins and needles sensation in their fingers. The pain can also be intense, with a sharpness or burning sensation. This can occur throughout the body, including the lower back, elbows, and wrists.

If the pinched nerve is related to the neck area, the patient may feel pain when turning the head, or extending the neck to look more closely at an object, such as a cell phone. If the pain is related to a pinched sciatic nerve, it can radiate from the lower back down the front, back, or side of one leg and/or foot. If left untreated, weakness can build in the affected areas. And if the pinched nerve leads to inflammation, this can also increase over time.

Pinched Nerve Causes

Aging and injuries are probably the most common causes of pinched nerves. The discs in the spine may decrease in size or become drier as the body ages, and this degenerative process is called arthritis. As a result, the discs may bulge or stiffen. This process may nudge the vertebrae in closer proximity, and the body sometimes reacts by forming more bone, possibly to strengthen the area. These bone spurs tend to reduce flexibility, however, which can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches a nerve.

Another consequence of flattening discs is herniation, which can force the nucleus of the disc outwards. This can result from the wear and tear of an active life, as well as an injury, or overuse. The herniated disc can compress the spinal canal, and a resulting pinched nerve can cause both weakness and pain. In addition, the patient may lose sensation as a result of the curtailed nerve-brain circuit.

Pinched Nerve Treatments

The pain from pinched nerves is unpleasant and can be debilitating. It can also get worse over time. The best option for patients who experience these types of pain is to consult with a spine surgeon. The team at Southlake Orthopaedics is comprised of board-certified physicians who represent a full spectrum of orthopedic specialties including spine surgery. This multi-specialty, multi-level approach to orthopedic care provides patients with state-of-the-art testing technologies, expert in-house consultation, collaboration, and pinched nerve treatments to help relieve their pain. After a diagnosis of pinched nerve has been determined, treatments may include:

Cervical collar for support
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion, and improve posture
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Epidural steroid injection and transforaminal injection
Surgical intervention
- Discectomy and fusion
- Disc replacement
- Laminoforaminotomy

If surgery is recommended, the physician will explain the procedures in detail and work with the patient to develop a personalized plan. Southlake Orthopaedics strives to use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Pinched Nerve Treatments and Services

Patients at Southlake Orthopaedics benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Specialized knowledge from every branch of orthopedics is available from the staff. Another element of the practice is in-house physical therapy and rehabilitation services. After a thorough examination and diagnosis of a pinched nerve, physicians work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans. And as an added convenience, most prescribed pinched nerve treatments are handled within two offices located in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL.

Find Relief for Pinched Nerve Pain at Southlake Orthopaedics

Southlake Orthopaedics strongly believes in less pain and more living. Patients in central AL experiencing painful symptoms that may be related to pinched nerves should consult with an orthopedic expert about their condition. The physicians and medical staff at Southlake Orthopaedics can help determine the cause of the pain, and recommend treatments to relieve that pain. For more information, contact the office today.

Pinched Nerve

Understanding Pinched Nerve and the treatments available to you.

Diagnosis and Treatments for Pinched Nerves in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Pinched Nerve Causes

Pinched Nerve Treatments

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Pinched Nerve Treatments and Services

Find Relief for Pinched Nerve Pain at Southlake Orthopaedics

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