Pinched Nerve Pain

Doctors have some simple questions to determine whether patients are suffering from pinched nerve pain. Where does it hurt? Is the pain continuous or intermittent? Is it dull, tingling or shooting? Since pain from pinched nerves is usually referred to other portions of the body, sufferers often approach the doctor suspecting another problem, such as a strain or sprain. These preliminary questions can help to direct a diagnosis toward the true cause of the pain.

If a nerve is being pinched, it may have one of several different causes:

1. Osteoarthritis may have resulted in a collapsed or herniated disc, moving spinal cord nerves in an awkward position.
2. Spinal spondylosis may induce bone spurs to invade neural space and pinch nerves together or against vertebrae.
3. Scoliosis curvature may cause nerves to compress and refer pain.

The Latest Diagnostic Techniques for Pinched Nerve Pain

Since pinched nerve pain from the neck, for example, is referred to the shoulders, arms or hands, treating the extremities won't alleviate the pain. If the nerve compression causing the pain is located and relieved, the condition will improve. Bone spurs or degenerated-disc disease can be treated through arthroscopic surgery to fix the problem or prevent it from progressing further.

Symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis, stenosis or severe scoliosis may include chronic or recurring headaches and numbness or radiating pain through the shoulders and arms or hips and legs. Acute symptoms may include loss of balance or control over the bowels or bladder. Complete diagnosis and treatment is available on an outpatient basis, using the latest arthroscopic procedures, at the Bonati Institute.