4 Signs of a Pinched Nerve | Pinched Nerve Treatment New Albany

Anyone in Floyd & Clark County who is looking for pinched nerve treatment should rely on the help of our New Albany pinched nerve doctors at 1st Choice Health & Wellness!

The body consists of countless nerves that carry signals throughout the body. Nerves start in the brain and travel down the spinal cord before reaching their final destinations. Motor nerves carry signals from the brain to the rest of the body, helping people coordinate their limbs in space. Then, sensory nerves carry information on pain, temperature, and pressure from the body back to the brain for interpretation. 

Along the way, nerves can get pinched or compressed. This can lead to a variety of symptoms that can adversely impact someone's quality of life. 

If someone is suffering from a pinched nerve, there are a variety of symptoms that could appear. Some of the top symptoms include:

#1. A Feeling of Numbness or Decreased Sensation in the Area 

One of the main symptoms that people might notice is a feeling of numbness. This is common if the compressed nerve is a sensory nerve. Usually, there will be a small patch that is numb. 

For example, if there is a compressed nerve in the shoulder, there might be a small, circular patch that is numb; however, the rest of the shoulder might feel normal. Over time, this feeling of numbness could wax and wane. People might notice that this changes with the position as well.

#2. Pain in the Area of Compression

Another common symptom that people notice is pain (sharp or a dull ache) in the area of compression, such as the neck or lower back. A pinched nerve is also called a stinger because of the pain that it produces. The pain from a pinched nerve is often described as "electrical" or "shock-like" in nature. Some people even say that they feel like they are being zapped.

Nerves track from one area to another. For example, the nerves of the brachial plexus travel from the shoulder down the arm. 

For example, if someone has a herniated disc in the back between L3 and L4, the nerve that exits the spinal cord at this location could be compressed. This can lead to shock-like pains that travel down one of the legs.

#3. Paresthesias or a Tingling Feeling

Next, individuals with a pinched nerve might notice something called paresthesias. This is what people usually describe as tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation. 

Many people notice this if their arm or foot falls asleep. This can be uncomfortable, but isn't inherently painful. With a pinched nerve, this is what people feel all the time. This sensation usually precedes a feeling of complete numbness or even chronic pain. 

Therefore, people who feel paresthesias without a limb falling asleep should see a nearby pinched nerve doctor.

#4. Extreme Muscle Weakness

Finally, those who are looking for pinched nerve treatment often complain of muscle weakness. This is what happens if someone has a compressed motor nerve. 

These nerves communicate signals from the brain to the rest of the body, helping people use their muscles. If the nerves are compressed, people could lose the use of these muscles. For example, if someone has a compressed nerve in the shoulder, they might have trouble raising their arm above their head. This can lead to serious quality of life issues. 

Fortunately, our New Albany pinched nerve doctor is here to help.

Call to Schedule Appointment With Our Pinched Nerve Doctor in New Albany Today!

Pinched nerve pain is a common complaint that requires the attention of trained professionals. At 1st Choice Health and Wellness, we are proud to provide pinched nerve treatment to everyone who comes to see us. If you are looking for pinched nerve treatment near you, then contact us today to make an appointment!