Pinched nerves often coming from the spine, can cause several problems but basically two main problems. If the nerve is inflamed it will cause pain for most of the length of the nerve that is constant but can be aggravated by activity and position. The pain is often fairly severe. This condition is called ridiculitis. “Itis” indicates inflammation. If the nerve is pinched but not inflamed there may be numbness or tingling from the sensory nerve portion or weakness and loss of deep tendon reflexes from the motor nerve portion. This condition is called ridiculopathy . Pathy indicates dysfunction. Of course, these things can happen together causing a painful leg with numbness and weakness.
Treatment for inflamed nerves usually involves medication such as anti-inflammatory NSAIDs or prednisone or cortisone injections. Treatment for numbness, tingling and weakness involves trying to reduce pressure on the nerve, often with traction in physical therapy and in severe cases surgical opening of the space for the nerve. Call us at CTRMM to see how our services can address pinched nerve issues for you.