Is That Tingling Feeling A Pinched Nerve?

Nerve pain is a common occurrence, but for some, the pain and symptoms can be chronic and unbearable. Many cases of nerve pain can be linked to a pinched nerve, also called radiculopathy. This condition occurs when excessive pressure is placed on a nerve by nearby tissue, bones, muscles, or cartilage. Nerve pain can range from mild to severe, needing surgical intervention. Pinched nerves can happen almost anywhere but are common in the arms and legs. Recognizing symptoms can help with managing nerve pain and getting long-term relief.

What does it feel like?

Nerve pain is popular in the arms and legs, starting as a sharp or burning pain that radiates outward. For instance, a pinched nerve impacting the leg can cause pain radiating down to the foot. Sometimes, there is a tingling, ‘pins and needles’ sensation. Numbness or a decreased sensation in the limb can happen in severe cases, along with more cases of paresthesia, where the limb goes numb and falls asleep. Some individuals will experience muscle weakness. These symptoms can occur during physical activity or at night, causing sleep disturbances.

Potential causes of pinched nerves

When someone has radiculopathy, there is often an underlying cause or condition. As nerves branch out of the spinal cord, most cases are related to pinched nerves in the spine. A herniated disc can press on nerves in the lumbar region, causing a condition called sciatica. With sciatica, severe nerve pain occurs along an entire leg. Herniated discs in the cervical region can lead to nerve pain in the arm. Arthritis can lead to joint inflammation, swelling, and bone spurs, which can pinch nerves. People who perform repetitive activities like sports, typing, or manual labor can damage joints and nerves, leading to chronic nerve pain. Other possible causes include obesity, diabetes, poor posture, and a past injury.

Common treatment options

Anyone with chronic nerve pain should see a doctor for further advice. Doctors will remember a range of non-surgical techniques. A simple combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) can relieve symptoms. Pain medication and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces inflammation and eliminates pain. Physical therapy, including gentle stretches, low-impact exercises, improved posture and ergonomics can provide long-term relief. Some doctors can provide advanced treatments like steroid injections or recommend chiropractic care.

When to seek medical help

If non-surgical strategies fail, doctors can provide additional support in the form of surgery. The goal is to find the underlying cause of nerve pain and treat the source. If the issue is spine-related, doctors may recommend minimally invasive procedures to relieve nerve pressure. Endoscopic discectomy removes herniated disc material, or a laminectomy removes part of the lamina bone to reduce symptoms. There are other spinal procedures, including artificial disc replacement (ADR) and spinal fusion, that can address severe nerve pain. These complex surgeries can be minimally invasive but still require extensive downtime and physical therapy. Studies show these procedures have success rates from 75% - 90%, and beyond.

No more tingling from pinched nerves

Tingling, burning sensations, and sharp pain should not be ignored. These are often signs of a pinched nerve. Over time, symptoms worsen, limiting limb function and impacting daily activities. Most cases can be traced to an underlying issue with the spine, arthritis, or injury. Early intervention is essential to addressing the condition. If these fail, surgical intervention can provide long-term relief. Get nerve pain under control with the support of a medical specialist.