A pinched nerve, also known as a compressed nerve, can be painful. This condition usually goes away on its own. If the condition is beginning or becomes severe, you can try several self-care techniques such as the use of heat, ice massage, or antibiotics. If you have a stiff neck or arm and leg pain, it might be a sign of a pinched nerve, and it is appropriate if you seek medical help. It may be an indication of a severe problem such as a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. Identifying pinched nerve symptoms is essential for receiving the right treatment. Roswell pinched nerve specialists at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery can do a comprehensive test before tailoring the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
When should I seek medical help?
When you have a pinched nerve, the condition can manifest in various symptoms. While some of them may disappear, some might persist and affect your quality of life. Since they can cause several signs and with unknown duration, the good time to see your doctor is when:
- You have persistent pain; if your pain lasts for several days.
- Worsening pain despite trying self-care techniques.
- You have a sudden weakness and pain in a specific area.
- You experience intense numbness or loss of sensation.
- You lose bowel or bladder control.
How is microdiscectomy performed?
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery done when you have a herniated lumbar disc that presses on your nerve. This procedure is done under general anesthesia. To access the spine, your surgeon may use tubes of expanding diameter to make a channel through the muscles of your neck. Your specialist may remove a small portion of your lamina and facet joint to expose the herniated disc and the inflamed nerve. Your surgeon may then remove the disc that compresses the nerve using a special instrument. It would help if you spoke to your surgeon about the questions or concerns about the procedure.
What slows recovery after the surgery?
Microdiscectomy may not be successful due to delayed healing caused by:
- Not looking after the incision site; during the initial stages of recovery, engaging in activities such as swimming can cause infection on the incision site.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle and not walking enough can cause muscles to weaken and make pain and stiffness persist. A sedentary lifestyle may bring problems with digestion, sleeping, and mood. Your surgeon may recommend that you take short walks during the first few days after the surgery.
- Not sticking to the treatment plan may result in inadequate pain relief, complications, and delayed recovery.
- Strenuous activity, such as lifting heavy objects, may worsen pain or renew the injury that may require further treatment.
- Having chronic ailments, such as diabetes may slow healing and recovery. An intermittent pinched nerve is usually treated at home. But sometimes, damage may be worse and require immediate medical attention.
You can avoid this condition if you utilize your body correctly and do not strain your muscles. Pinched nerves should not be left to turn severe; contact your surgeon at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery to evaluate your condition and get the right treatment.
