Herniated Disc and Pinched Nerve Pain

Pain due to compression of the nerve is called pinched nerve pain. Pinched nerve involves pain, numbness or weakness in the nerve root area. Pinched nerve pain involves burning sensation, pins or needle-like sensation, tingling or numbness and radiating pain. Repetitive motion can pinch the nerve between vertebrae, ligament, tendon and bone. The most common nerve compression occurs due to herniated disc and affects the lower back. But pinched nerves can also occur in other parts of the body and can cause a variety of problems like Carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, cervical neuropathy and sciatica etc. Physical Therapy is very effective in treating pinched nerve pain.

Herniated Disc / Pinched Nerve

A herniated disc is also known as slipped disc, bulging disc or ruptured disc. A herniated disc occurs when the disc between vertebras move out of position. The more specifically inner portion of the disc protrudes through the outer ring of the disc. A herniated disc can occur in any region of the spine but most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar herniated disc). Symptoms occur when herniated disc compress or irritate the nerve. Common symptoms of a herniated disc are extreme pain, stiffness and numbness or weakness in the involved region. And its pain radiates along the path of the nerve root.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis means narrowing of the spinal canal.  Spinal stenosis can also cause pinched nerves. The most common causes of spinal stenosis are degenerative disc disease, herniated disc injuries from sports or auto accidents, uncorrected improper posture,  repetitive heavy lifting or combination of above. It involves compression of the nerve root by bony spurs and or spinal disc that is causing spinal stenosis.  The symptoms of spinal stenosis can appear as pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling, radiating into shoulders, arms, hands, buttocks, legs and feet. Spinal stenosis can cause bladder or bowel weakness. If symptoms of spinal stenosis are mild to moderate (confirmed by an MRI), it can be treated by physical therapy, chiropractic, medication and stabilization exercises. But in severe cases of spinal stenosis, a surgical treatment may be necessary.  A proper history and chiropractic orthopedic examination should be done to determine what treatment is best for you and if surgery can be avoided.  If you are already scheduled for surgery, call our office for a second opinion before its too late.