Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Nowadays more and more people are suffering from neck pain. Some of those problems are caused by pinched nerve in neck. The nervous system consists of nerves which are located throughout the body, and serve as relays of information. They send commands from the brain to the body parts that giving back sensory signals.
This system can be divided into motor system, which directs signals from the brain to the body, and sensory system. First one is used, inter alia, to give commands to the muscles or other internal organs, including the heart.
The sensory system collects information from the sensory cells and sends them to the brain. Then the brain can create the complete image of our body condition. On those sensory roads go any signal from change of temperature to pain, taste or touch.
Electrochemical signal is responsible for transporting the information. It moves along a nerve – so if the nerve is pinched, the message disappears somewhere along the road. This situation could also cause pain and numbness.
The Causes of Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Compression of nerves in the neck can be caused by several things. Spine herniated disc, arthritis or cervical stenosis – can all cause pressure on the nerve which effectively reduce his communication ability.
There are some cases where such tissues involved may refer to the bone or the cartilage, just like a herniated spinal disk that constricts nerve roots. Muscles or tendons at times may also be responsible for the condition.
There are certain situations that cause tissues to compress and pressure nerves. Among the common contributors are injuries, having a poor body posture, stress from performing everyday repetitive jobs, hobbies, sports activities, and especially obesity.
Pinched nerves can also cause inflammations of the nerve, disrupting its functions in the process. If your nerves are pinched for short moments, you can be assured that there would be no permanent damage. Whenever pressures are relieved, your nerves will start to function again normally. If the pressure persists though, you may have to contemplate about chronic pain and the possibility of permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Common symptoms of pinched nerves can include the following:
– Sharp and burning pain that feels like radiating outwards the body
– Numbing sensation in the problem area
– “Pins and needles” tingling sensations
– A feeling of having a hand or a foot that had apparently fallen asleep
– Twitching, or muscle weakness within affected areas.
– It is important to note that certain problems related to pinched nerves may tend to get worse while you are deep in your sleep.
If you witness that the signs and symptoms of the problem persists for several days to week and would not respond to your won self-care measures including sufficient rest and pain relievers, then you should see your doctor right away.
Here are some common factors that have the potentials of exposing you to the risks of suffering from a pinched nerve:
– Poor posture – you not only look bad physically with it, you also unwittingly add more pressure to your precious spine and nerves.
– Gender – Nobody likes it either; but the fact is women are more likely to cultivate the carpal tunnel syndrome, which also has roots that can be traced back to the pinched nerve problem
– Bone spurs – This in particular is more a trauma or condition that is mainly responsible for bone thickening, just like in osteoarthritis. Bone spurs abnormally stiffens the spine and narrows that space where the nerves travel, pinching such nerves in the process.
– Rheumatoid arthritis – it causes inflammation that will in turn compress the nerves, especially those in your joints.
– Obesity – having an excess weight also measures up to the pressure added to injured nerves.
– There are certain jobs and hobbies that call for repetitive body movements like the wrists, hands, and shoulders. Such abuses bring about the likelihood of having a pinched nerve problem.
– Water and weight gain during pregnancies can pressure and swell certain nerve pathways, and it compresses the nerves along the way.
Heredity also plays a big role here. There are some people with signs that they are genetically predisposed to various conditions that would lead to pinched nerves.
Sometimes the treatment is very easy – some relaxing massage, cold and hot wraps physical therapy. However, if the damage is severe, there is a possibility of surgery.
Treatments of Pinched Nerve in the Neck
There is nothing to ponder and no time to waste – you should take action as soon as you detect first alarming symptoms. Sometimes simple back exercise can help with your condition. In more advanced state you should be aware that nowadays you can receive painless procedures, which are very effective in eliminating degeneration as well. The specialist will test your muscle tone, sensation and strength.
Sometimes you will have to take X-ray tests to check your spine condition. For a full medical assessment it is often required to make MRI or CT scan as well. Surgical procedure is recommended when muscle weakness is improving or when conservative treatment doesn’t help.
The chances of full recovery are dropping when the symptoms are lasting longer and became stronger. It is crucial to visit a doctor when you spot muscle weakness or progressive wasting. Remember that neglecting the signs send from your neck nerves is the worst course of action and it may even end with a permanent disability.
