Pinched Nerves

Nerve pain, also known as radiculitis or radiculopathy, is often times associated with neck, middle back, or lower back pain. When an individual has a degenerative or herniated disc, nerve compression can occur in the spine causing referred pain in a specific distribution. This is known as a dermatome. Following the distribution of pain can be a key determining factor in finding out where the pain originates. In addition, there are a number of physical exam findings including strength testing and reflex assessment that can help determine which specific nerve in the spine is being compressed. Specific muscle groups and reflexes are controlled by a particular nerve and weakness or depression of a reflex may lead to the root cause. If these pertinent exam findings are found, it may indicate that you are suffering from a radiculopathy – damage to a nerve- versus a radiculitis – irritation to the nerve. While both are important to address, a radiculopathy is more urgent to address to hopefully avoid any long term deficits. Treatment options for pinched nerve can range from very conservative to invasive. If you have been dealing with nerve pain and not sure where it is coming from and what you should do, let me know! I would love to point you in the right direction.