Pinched Nerve

Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center

Neurosurgery located in Scottsdale, AZ & Tucson, AZ

Pinched nerves cause severe pain and other unwanted sensations, even affecting your ability to normally control your movements. Expert neurosurgeons Abhishiek Sharma, MD, and Erik Curtis, MD, of Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center in Phoenix, find the cause of your pinched nerve using state-of-the-art diagnostics. They relieve your pain with a range of treatments that include advanced surgical procedures. Schedule your consultation by calling Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center today, or book an appointment online.

Pinched Nerve Q & A

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is one that comes under pressure from surrounding tissue such as bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, or muscle. The pressure on the nerve affects how well it performs, causing symptoms that correspond with the role of the affected nerve.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

Pins and needles
Numbness
Loss of sensation
Tingling
Weakened muscles
Loss of function

Pinched nerves typically cause pain that radiates out from the nerve, causing a burning, aching, or sharp pain. The team at Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center locates the affected nerve using diagnostic imaging tests, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies.

What causes pinched nerves?

Anything that causes your internal structures to shift even slightly out of position can cause nerve pain. Common causes include:

Traumatic injury
Arthritis
Repetitive strain injuries
Sports injuries
Being overweight or obese

Conditions in which pinched nerves typically cause pain include:

Herniated discs, where the soft interior of the disc bulges out and presses on the nerves in the spinal cord
Carpal tunnel syndrome, where swelling or enlargement of the structures in the wrist presses on the median nerve
Spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows

What treatments are available for pinched nerves?

The key to treating pinched nerves is to alleviate the pressure that causes the problem. This should happen as soon as possible after symptoms first start, as pinched nerves that are left untreated can lead to irreversible nerve damage. As a result, you could end up with a chronic pain condition and permanently reduced function.

Your provider at Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center creates a treatment plan for your pinched nerve that uses a combination of the most effective approaches for your particular condition. Treatments include:

Resting the affected area to ease the pressure
Wearing a brace or splint
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Physical therapy to strengthen and relax your muscles
Corticosteroid injections

If these approaches don’t help your pinched nerve, the team at Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center discusses possible surgical interventions. The surgery you need depends on which nerve is affected and why.

Get the most effective treatment for pinched nerves by calling Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center today, or book an appointment online.

What we offer