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Understanding Pinched Nerves Causes Symptoms and Treatment

Oona

Oona

Understanding pinched nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, or tendons. This condition can cause pain, numbness, or weakness, affecting various parts of the body, from the neck to the lower back. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for managing the discomfort and preventing long-term damage. In this article, we'll explore what a pinched nerve is, its common symptoms, and practical ways to relieve and treat the condition effectively.

What is the Definition of Pinched Nerves?

Pinched Nerves, or in medical terms it is called HNP (Herniated Nucleus Pulposus), is a condition in which the spinal joint pads protrude, this can cause a pinched nerve condition. There are many causes of pinched nerves such as injury, doing sports activities that are too heavy, excessive weight, or obesity is also one of the causes of pinched nerves because it can compress the nerves contained in the body.

Symptoms Felt by People with HNP

There are several locations where HNP most often occurs, such as in the waist (lumbar), neck (cervical) and the least affected part of HNP is the back (thoracal). The following are the symptoms experienced by people with HNP:


-Tingling that spreads to the hands or feet

-Neck or low back pain

-Limb weakness/paralysis

-Difficulty holding defecation or urination

Do People with HNP Have to Undergo Surgery?

80-85% of HNP cases can be treated without surgery, but 15-20% of them require surgery. Patients are often concerned about the risk of collection in spinal surgery including the lumbar section. Please note that the levels that are often affected by HNP in the lumbar region are the L45 and L5SI levels.


At the L45 and L5S1 levels of surgery, there are no nerves that move the thigh and knee muscles, so theoretically it is almost impossible to have paralysis of the lower half of the body as feared by patients in general. With the right indication and good working techniques, the success rate of PELD surgery can reach 98%.

This article is a collaboration between OONA and EMC Hospital Tangerang

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a pinched nerve?

Answer

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues compress a nerve, commonly due to injury, repetitive motion, or underlying conditions like arthritis.

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What are treatment options for pinched nerves?

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Treatments include rest, physical therapy, medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

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How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

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Doctors use physical exams, MRI, or nerve conduction tests to diagnose pinched nerves.

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What are the common symptoms of a pinched nerve?

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Symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the affected area.

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Can pinched nerves heal on their own?

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In many cases, with proper care, pinched nerves heal within a few weeks. However, severe cases may require medical intervention.

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How can I prevent a pinched nerve?

Answer

Maintain good posture, avoid repetitive motions, and engage in regular physical activity to reduce the risk.

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