Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve can cause radiating pain, tingling, and weakness that disrupts your daily life. At Apex Pain Specialists in Chandler, Arizona, board-certified pain management experts Naveen Reddy, MD, and Maziar Massrour, MD, specialize in diagnosing and treating the root cause of nerve compression. Using advanced interventional techniques, they help patients find lasting relief and avoid invasive surgery. To get help for your pinched nerve, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve (compression neuropathy) occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure interrupts the nerve's ability to send clear signals to the brain, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness.

While a pinched nerve can happen anywhere in the body, it most commonly occurs in the spine (radiculopathy), leading to pain in the neck or lower back that radiates into the arms or legs.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

The symptoms of a pinched nerve often depend on where the compression is located. Common signs include:

• Sharp, aching, or burning pain that radiates outward.
• Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
• Tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation (paresthesia).
• Muscle weakness in the affected area.
• The feeling that a foot or hand has "fallen asleep."

Symptoms often worsen when you are sleeping or when you perform certain movements, such as turning your neck or sitting for long periods.

What causes a pinched nerve?

A variety of conditions can cause the tissue compression that leads to a pinched nerve, including:

• Herniated Discs: When the soft inner material of a spinal disc leaks out and presses on a nearby nerve.
• Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spaces within your spine.
• Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone often caused by osteoarthritis.
• Repetitive Stress: Frequent, repetitive motions from work or sports.
• Injuries: Sudden trauma from auto accidents or falls.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

At Apex Pain Specialists, Dr. Reddy and Dr. Massrour provide a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the exact location of your nerve compression. Your visit will include a review of your medical history and a physical exam to test your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory responses.

To confirm a diagnosis, your provider may recommend imaging or diagnostic tests, such as:

• X-rays or MRI: To look for bone spurs or herniated discs.
• Electromyography (EMG): To measure the electrical activity of your muscles.
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): To measure how fast electrical impulses move through your nerves.

What are the treatments for a pinched nerve?

Apex Pain Specialists takes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, focusing on minimally invasive options to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include:

• Epidural Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and swelling around spinal nerves.
• Nerve Blocks: To interrupt pain signals from the affected nerve.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Using heat to disable the nerve responsible for chronic pain.
• Physical Therapy: To strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.
• Discseel® Procedure: Apex Pain Specialists is one of the few practices in Arizona offering this revolutionary treatment to heal torn or leaking discs that cause nerve pain.

Most pinched nerves resolve with conservative, interventional care. If your pain persists, your physician will work closely with you to determine the next steps for long-term recovery.