Pinched Nerve: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

San Antonians who are experiencing a pinched nerve in the neck, a pinched nerve in the back, or any other nerve complications should understand that this discomfort if gone untreated, can alter your quality of life. The waves of pain radiating from a pinched nerve can seriously affect your ability to function, and may also lead to other, more serious issues.

A pinched nerve occurs when an unnatural pressure is applied to a nerve pathway. This pressure can be from anything, including the weight gain of pregnancy, arthritis, nerve damage caused by diabetes’ effect on blood pressure, or even repeated physical strain at work. Since our bodies are covered with nerve endings and synapses, they can occur just about anywhere in the body.

Recognizing A Pinched Nerve: Signs & Symptoms

For the most part, our bodies are reliable sources of pain signals when something isn’t right. Understanding your nervous system can improve your ability to recognize a problem in time to treat it. The nerves in the body can be classified into one of three categories:

• Sensory nerves

• • • These nerves help you feel sensations

• Motor nerves

• • • Controls voluntary muscle movement (motor functions)

• Autonomous nerves

• • Nerves that help to regulate many of your body’s functions, like sweating, blood pressure, etc.

Generally, there are a few signs that you should never ignore when it comes to treating pinched nerves. Depending upon the severity of your nerve pain, these signs may disappear on their own over time, but there is a point at which you should seek medical attention if these signs linger. They are:

• Pins and needles

• • • Any form of a ‘blocked signal’ from a nerve receptor in your body will result in some type of reaction. The sensation of ‘pins and needles’ are usually a byproduct of compressed sensory nerves. When this happens, the nerve cells lose oxygen, and this results in a tingling sensation.

• Frequent ‘falling asleep’ sensation in hands/feet

• • • In association with the concept of ‘pins and needles’ is the sensation of your extremities ‘falling asleep’. However, this does not include general, common instances of your hands/arms/feet/legs falling asleep; that is, if the sensation goes away after you move around, it’s probably not a serious issue. However, if it happens out of nowhere, or persists even after you change positions, it may be time to seek medical help.

• Sharp, burning pain which radiates outwards

• • • A burning sensation can be an indicator of inflamed nerves. This does not mean the pain is always located in the same area as the pinched nerve. Typically, it is where the nerve ends that you will feel the discomfort. Sometimes, a doctor’s presence can help you determine the source of the burning pain compared to its position along the nervous system.

• Muscle weakness

• • A pinched nerve can certainly be uncomfortable, but your situation can be even further complicated in the event of additional muscle damage. Because a pinched nerve suggests damage to the synapses which exchange information between your brain and the muscles themselves, any change in your ability to use your muscles can be an indicator of serious nerve damage. Significant muscle weakness can also foreshadow other issues, like a stroke or heart attack.

Contact Texas Pain Specialist Today!

Residents of San Antonio who are experiencing signs of a pinched nerve or any other form of nerve issues should contact Texas pain specialist as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen, or become long-term chronic nerve pain. Fortunately, Dr. Martinez offers all types of pinched nerve therapy and pain treatments, including injections as well as both surgical, and non-surgical options such as cell regenerative therapy.

For more information about pinched nerves and the signs you shouldn’t ignore, contact our skilled and experienced team of doctors, nurses, and practitioners. Dr. Martinez and his staff are dedicated to providing rehabilitation and treatment for patients across Texas. Call or email us today, or you can visit us in person at one of our three San Antonio pain treatment centers.