Pinched Nerve Problems

A pinched nerve describes nerve compression and the pain this pressure produces. Muscles and tendons, swollen due to repetitive motion, or traumatic injuries are often responsible for this pressure, but pinched nerves can develop anywhere in the body.
Nerve compression, and the pain associated with it, cause other problems that may need medical intervention once all self care techniques have failed.

Features

• According to the Mayo Clinic, if nerves are compressed as they exit the spine, they cause radiating pain, tingling or numbness in limbs. Pressure on nerves at the wrist leads to pain and tingling in the hand, commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Foot Drop

• Trouble lifting one or both feet, or foot drop, is associated with pinched nerves in the lower spine or lower leg. If you suffer with foot drop often, your doctor might prescribe a leg brace to control the affected leg or foot.

Chronic Back Pain

• Pinched nerves can cause chronic back pain. While pain from a compressed nerve often radiates into a limb, it also causes muscle spasms in the back.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Pressure exerted on the trigeminal nerve, at the base of the brain, by blood vessels can cause pain and tingling in the face. In some cases, just smiling can bring on an attack with shooting pain, burning and tingling.

Cervical Radiculopathy

• Traumatic injury to the neck can lead to arthritis, called cervical spondylosis. Bone spurs develop and compress nerves where they exit the spine. Pain radiates into shoulders and arms.

  Severe cases lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, placing more pressure on nerves. The chronic pain of cervical radiculopathy often leads to permanent disability.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

• According to the National Pain Foundation, this chronic pain disorder develops after a traumatic injury has healed. The sooner you are diagnosed, the more successful treatment and pain management will be.