Pinched nerves in the spine can occur for a variety of reasons. As a rule, pinching occurs in the spinal column precisely because there are quite often violations of the intervertebral discs, namely cartilage, which normally should absorb the spinal column and prevent it from injuries. With the development of some diseases, the physiological properties of the discs decrease, and they begin to press their mass on the nerves extending from the spinal cord.
Factors that may be the cause of diseases that can cause pinched nerves in the spine:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Elderly age
- Anomalies in the structure of the spinal column
- Severe physical activity on the spine
- Spinal injury
- Various concomitant diseases
- Body hypothermia
- Hormonal changes
Signs that a nerve pinched in the spine
The most obvious sign that a pinching of the vertebral nerve has occurred is the termination of the innervation of the muscles and organs to which the damaged nerve goes. Therefore, if the motor nerve is pinched, the muscles dry out and atrophy.
In the event that the sensory nerve is pinched, the muscle should lose sensitivity in the near future. In addition, often quite severe pain occurs along the path of the damaged nerve, which are paroxysmal, burning, stitching or shooting in nature. In some cases, the pain can be permanent, and manifest depending on external factors.
When pinched nerves in the region of the cervical vertebrae, pain in the affected area can be very severe. This damage is characterized by increased pain during head movements. If the nerve is pinched in the region of the thoracic vertebra, then most often the patient is hard to breathe, in addition, the appearance of pain in the stomach and heart.
Diagnosis of pinched nerve
Diagnosis of pinching most often consists of an X-ray examination and symptomatic examination of the patient. In addition, more advanced research methods, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, can also show skeletal bone lesions that will help pinch the nerve.
Disease treatment
If a pinched nerve first occurs in the spine, treatment may consist of emergency care and further investigation of the problem. In the event of an unexpected occurrence of pain similar to a pinched nerve, it is necessary to take an analgesic, lie on a hard, flat surface (for example, the floor) and limit your movements as much as possible. If your back hurts, you need to lie on it, and put a roller or pillow under your knees so that they are in a raised state. If it hurts in the neck, then you can put dry heat on this place.
The main treatment for a pinched nerve can be either conservative or surgical. Of course, if the pain does not often bother the patient, it is best to choose a conservative treatment, because the surgical approach is suitable only for those who have no choice left.
Conservative treatment involves taking large doses of vitamins B and E, in particular, B12 is prescribed. Also, physiotherapy, including electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation and UHF, helps to relieve the pain effect. In addition, traditional medicine such as snake and bee venom are recognized as effective even by doctors. After acute pain, patients are advised to relax in some sanatorium where water and mud treatment is developed.
Surgery can only be performed when other methods of treatment no longer help. After surgery, patients also need a long rehabilitation period.