In order to gain a better understanding of the most common pinched nerve causes, it’s necessary to first have a basic understanding of the condition itself. A pinched nerve in the back or neck occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed by an anatomical abnormality within the spine. Some use the term “pinched nerve” to describe sharp neck or back pain that is actually caused by a strained muscle or sprained ligament. While this pain might resemble one of the symptoms of spinal nerve compression, muscle strains and ligament sprains will usually heal on their own and the pain can be managed using over-the-counter or prescription medication. Nerve compression, on the other hand, might require much more involved treatment – in some cases, even surgery might be a valid option.

How Do The Most Common Pinched Nerve Causes Arise?

By the time most people reach middle age, the anatomical components of the spine have already begun to deteriorate. The intervertebral discs, vertebral joints, ligaments, and other elements of the spine wear down over time, jeopardizing spinal stability. At every vertebral level, a pair of nerve roots branches off the spinal cord. These roots and the spinal cord itself become vulnerable to compression in the presence of an anatomical abnormality.

What Conditions Can Lead To Spinal Nerve Compression?

Although a neck or back injury can produce the conditions that lead to spinal nerve compression, a pinched nerve is far more likely to develop in relation to an age-related degenerative spine condition. These conditions include:

– Spinal stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal or of the foramina, which are openings through which the nerve roots exit the spinal column.

– Ligament ossification – Spinal ligaments can begin to calcify and stiffen with age.

– Degenerative disc disease – The intervertebral discs, which are sponge-like cushions between vertebrae, begin to lose water content and become brittle over time.

– Osteoarthritis – Cartilage that lines vertebral joints (facet joints) begins to wear down, reducing the joints’ ability to support the vertebrae and limiting spinal flexibility.

These conditions can occur at any level of the spine. They also can lead to the development of related abnormalities, such as osteophytes (bone spurs), herniated discs, bulging discs, and spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage). In most cases, these conditions are only a major problem if and when they cause nerve compression. For example, many people with bulging discs never realize they have the condition because the bulge does not generally produce symptoms if an adjacent nerve is not irritated or impinged.

How To Deal With Pinched Nerve Causes

Unfortunately, degenerative spine conditions are not curable, per se. If, say, a herniated disc is causing nerve compression in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine, the best a patient can hope for is to manage his or her symptoms. These symptoms, which can include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, typically can be managed using conservative treatments that can include pain medication, exercise, stretching, corticosteroid injections, and other methods. In most cases, surgery becomes an option only if conservative treatment fails to provide relief after several weeks or months.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Pinched nerve