Pinched Nerves

You know I really believe pinched nerves is a much more common occurence than we know.

If you are experiencing numbness or pain in your legs, feet, arms or back, you might have pinched nerves. A lot of people hear about nerve damage, but don’t know what goes on inside their body that makes it painful or numb. You need have a basic understanding of how your body works, so you can tell if you have damage, and seek proper medical help.

Nerves exist in your brain that fire off information to move your body. The nerve cell can’t be seen, but the pinched nerves in your body can be felt. The cells that live inside your brain have long tendrils that are fibrous and the reach the areas of your extremities which can become pinched nerves. These outer nerves are called peripheral nerves that go to the other parts of your body.

They can also be called dying nerves. An electrical charge runs from the back of the brain to the nerve ending. This charge tells your brain if there is pain. If any part of the transmission is interrupted it’s a signal to your brain that the cells aren’t being supplied with necessary nutrients, and are dying.

Pain or numbness will set in, and the muscles will become stiff and inflexible. Pinched nerves can be painful or numb, depending on how your body reacts.

If you have certain diseases, such as diabetes, watching for symptoms of this particular condition is very important. The feet are really prone to being damaged because of elevated blood sugar. Other diseases such as Lupus or Scleroderma can cause pinched nerves.

These diseases are part of an autoimmune arthritic condition that narrow and constrict the nerves and vessels in the feet and hands. Inflammation is the reason the nerves are hurt, but only a qualified specialist can tell you if you have damage of this type.

Other types of damage can happen too. Sudden accidents like a fall or twist will cause pinched nerves especially in the back area. Improper lifting techniques at work or at home are another main culprit of back injuries.

If you do a lot of lifting or moving objects, it might be a good idea to wear a back harness, so you can avoid pinched nerves. Check with your doctor about using one, and always use it appropriately.

Depending on the type of injury or disease, there are different approaches to treating the problem. Certain pain relief medications like over the counter ibuprofen and aspirin can relieve pain. If you need stronger medications your doctor will need to prescribe them.

Surgery is another option for back problems, and rehabilitation through physical therapy has been known to help. Arthritic conditions of pain can be eased with cortisone. Remember, pinched nerves can be helped; you’ll just need to know the symptoms.

And I have given you here just a touch of it, I suggest you do some more research online and make a list in point form of all the symptoms of pinched nerves so you will know when and if it applies to you or someone you know.

Resources

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the condition that results from pinching of one of the nerves in the wrist and hand. In patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, this nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. Because of the compression, the nerve does not function properly.

Tennis Elbow - Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is the most common injury in patients seeking medical attention with the complaint of elbow pain. Exactly what causes tennis elbow is unknown, but it is thought to be due to small tears of the tendons that attach the muscles of the forearm to the arm bone at the elbow joint. The muscle group involved, the wrist extensors, function to cock the wrist back. Specifically, the extensor carpi radialis brevis, has been implicated in causing the symptoms of tennis elbow.