What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve is a condition that occurs when nerves in the body are compressed by surrounding tissues. Nerve compression can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. Pinched nerves can occur in different parts of the body.

The most common types of pinched nerves are as follows:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This nerve runs from the upper arm to the thumb. It can be subjected to pressure as it passes through a narrow channel in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling in the hand. 
• Meralgia paresthetica: Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the thigh. This nerve provides sensation on the outer side of the thigh. If pressure occurs in this area, symptoms such as pain and loss of sensation may occur.
• Cervical radiculopathy: This is a compression of the nerves in the neck as they pass between the vertebrae. This condition can cause symptoms such as neck, shoulder and arm pain, burning, tingling, weakness and loss of sensation. 
• Cubital tunnel syndrome: This is a compression of the ulnar nerve in the elbow area. This nerve runs from the elbow to the hand and fingers. Movements such as bending the elbow or leaning on it for a long time can put pressure on the nerve. Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause symptoms such as elbow pain, numbness and twitching in the hands and fingers. 
• Peroneal nerve compression: This is compression of the peroneal nerve in the leg behind the knee. This nerve runs from the knee to the ankle and toes. Trauma or injury to the knee can cause pressure on the nerve. Peroneal nerve compression manifests itself with symptoms such as pain in the leg, numbness and weakness in the ankle and toes.

Causes of Nerve Compression

There are many causes of pinched nerves. Some of them are the following:

Stress: Stress can cause muscles to tense and put pressure on the nerves. Stress hormones can also irritate the nerves.

Genetic predisposition: In some people, congenital factors such as a weak sheath protecting the nerves or nerves passing through narrow channels can increase the susceptibility to pinched nerves.

Lifting or carrying heavy loads: Lifting or carrying heavy loads can overload the spine and joints and damage the nerves.

Posture disorders: Incorrect sitting, standing or lying posture can create imbalance in the spine and muscles, putting pressure on the nerves.

Being overweight: Excess weight can damage the nerves by increasing the pressure in the body. Problems in the spine, such as herniated discs, are more common in overweight people.

Spending too much time on the computer: Sitting at the computer for long periods of time can lead to nerve compression in the hands and wrists, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle spasms and pinched nerves can also occur in the neck and shoulders.

Some sports activities: Some sports such as tennis, golf and cycling can put pressure on nerves due to repetitive movements in certain areas. For example, the ulnar nerve in the elbow can become pinched in a condition known as tennis elbow.

Bone spurs: Bone spurs or calcifications caused by joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or trauma can press on the nerves and cause pain.

Thyroid diseases: Conditions such as water retention in the body or impaired metabolism as a result of under- or overactive thyroid gland can damage the nerves.

Injury: In cases such as accidents, falls or cuts, nerves can be directly damaged or indirectly compressed as a result of bleeding and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling and deformation of the joints, which can put pressure on the nerves.

Repetitive stress: Occupational groups that repeat the same movements (e.g. typists, hairdressers, musicians) may develop nerve compression as a result of constant pressure on the nerves.

Lying down for long periods of time: Lying down or being inactive for long periods of time can also damage the nerves by impairing blood circulation.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, water retention and hormone changes in the body can cause pressure on the nerves. In addition, the growth of the baby can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve, especially in the lower back.

Hobbies: Hobbies such as knitting, painting, gardening can also put pressure on the nerves in the hands and wrists. Physical examination and neurological tests are performed to diagnose nerve compression. Imaging methods such as X-rays, MRI, EMG (electromyography) and NCS (nerve conduction test) can also be used.

For the treatment of a pinched nerve, methods such as applying ice to the affected area, resting, using anti-inflammatory drugs and performing physical therapy exercises may be recommended. If these methods are not sufficient, cortisone injection or surgical intervention may be necessary.

Treatment of a Pinched Nerve

The methods used in the treatment of pinched nerves are as follows:

Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) or corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by a pinched nerve. Muscle relaxants or anticonvulsants may also be given to relax the nerve.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can be used to relieve muscle spasms caused by nerve compression, improve blood circulation and stretch the nerve. These include massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice or heat application and exercises.

Surgical intervention: Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases where the pinched nerve does not improve with medication or physical therapy or causes permanent damage to the nerve. With surgical intervention, the nerve is released by cutting or removing the tissues pressing on the nerve.

Some measures can be taken to prevent nerve compression. These include the following:

• Correcting posture disorders: It is important to use an ergonomic chair, pillow or support to correct posture disorders that can put pressure on the nerves. It is also helpful to move around occasionally instead of sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Avoiding repetitive movements: It may be necessary to use wrist guards, knee pads or elbow pads to avoid repetitive movements that can damage the nerves. It is also important to take breaks and exercise while doing repetitive movements.
• Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet is essential to avoid diseases that can damage the nerves, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or obesity. Foods containing vitamin B (such as meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables) are good for the nerves.

Pinched nerves can be a serious health problem and should not be neglected. It should be treated before it damages the nerves.