When any structure within the body exerts pressure on a nerve and causes dysfunction, the condition is called a pinched, compressed, impinged, or entrapped nerve. Compression can occur in diverse parts of the body. It is especially likely to arise in spots that require a nerve to run through a tight area, such as the carpal tunnel at the wrist and the intervertebral foramen, where nerve roots leave your spine.

For a pinched nerve, you will often find it is effective to use in-home treatments such as rest and ice. However, it is sometimes necessary to see a doctor.

This article looks at the common signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve, when you need to seek professional care for your pinched nerve and what treatments are available.

Signs & Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Some common signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

• A sensation that your hand or foot is asleep.
• Weakness in your muscles in a certain spot.
• Tingling in your hands or feet.
• Sharp pain, a burning sensation, and aches are common and could shoot farther down your limbs.
• Numbness in the part of the body that the nerve serves.

When You Need to See a Doctor 

In some cases the symptoms of a pinched nerve can be quite manageable, however, when the symptoms you’re experiencing become severe, it is important to get professional care in order to prevent your condition from worsening. If you are experiencing one or more of the scenarios below, it may be time to seek professional treatment for your pinched nerve.

• The pain persists for more than a couple days.
• The pain is getting worse, even when you use at-home therapies (such as rest and ice) to address it.
• You experience urinary or fecal incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control).
• Profound acute focal weakness appears. This health issue involves pain and weakness in a specific area. A severe case of acute focal weakness is when one of your legs becomes so weak that it is incapable of holding your body weight.
• You lose feeling or experience numbness to an extreme degree.

Getting Help

Are you experiencing pain from a compressed nerve? Using the most effective pinched nerve treatment Atlanta has to offer, we help our patients avoid invasive surgical procedures and provide them with long-term pain relief. See why people choose Atlanta Medical Clinic or contact us today!