Pinched Nerve

Pathophysiology: With nerve compression, sometimes pain may be your only symptom. Or you may have other symptoms without pain. These are some of the more common symptoms of compressed nerves: Pain in the area of compression, such as the neck or low back, Radiating pain, such as sciatica or radicular pain Numbness or tingling, "Pins and needles" or a burning sensation, Weakness, especially with certain activities Sometimes symptoms worsen when you try certain movements, such as turning your head or straining your neck.

Treatment: The treatment of a pinched nerve depends upon the location and the cause. Resting the affected area is often very effective, especially in cases of injury caused by repetitive activities. Physical therapy is frequently beneficial when a pinched nerve is caused by problems in the neck or low back. Exercises may strengthen the back or core muscles and decrease or eliminate pressure on a nerve root. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen may be helpful. Injections of corticosteroids (an anti-inflammatory medication) may also be beneficial for many types of pinched nerves.

Major Research: The Peripheral Nerve Research Laboratory (PNRL), under the direction of Peter James Dyck, M.D., has engaged in research on peripheral nerve and its diseases for the last 40 years. Initial studies were done in collaboration with E. H. Lambert, but in recent years, they have been done in association with Phillip A. Low, M.D., P. James B. Dyck, M.D., and Christopher Klein, M.D.

Statistics: Around 50% of people are suffering from pinched nerve.