Physician Group of Utah: Pinched Nerves

Dr. Armen Khachatryan, Orthopedic Surgeon at Center of Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Excellence, part of the Physician Group of Utah, there are options to treat pinched nerves.


A pinched nerve is caused when pressure is applied and sustained to a nerve by the tissues that surround it. This pressure causes inflammation and disrupts the proper functioning of the nerve. The tissues usually responsible for a pinched nerve include tendons, muscles, cartilage, and bones. The pressure and inflammation can create the following, which are the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve:

• Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation.

• Numbness or decreased sensation.

• Sharp or burning sensations which may radiate outward.

• Shooting pains down the body.

• Pain from coughing or sneezing (usually a sign of pinched nerve in the spine).

Discover more symptoms of a pinched nerve: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pinched-nerve/DS00879/DSECTION=symptoms

Sometimes the pains and sensations are distant from the point of which the nerve is actually being pinched. This makes it important to closely monitor where the symptoms are occurring. Since nerves run throughout the entirety of the body, there are endless possibilities of where pinched nerves can occur. However, a large majority of pinched nerves occur in the spine. Causes and risk factors of pinched nerves in the spine include:

• A herniated or slipped disc. This can happen from lifting something heavy or twisting.

• Narrowing of the spinal cord. This frequently occurs from aging.

• Bone spurs. These are rough edges that occur from spinal arthritis.

• Poor posture. Sitting or standing incorrectly adds pressure to the spinal nerves and tissues.

• Jobs or hobbies. Repetitive or prolonged movements increase the likelihood of a pinched nerve.

Learn more about risk factors at the following link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pinched-nerve/DS00879/DSECTION=risk-factors

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes suggests that a pinched nerve is a common cause of on-the-job injury. Heavy lifting, twisting and stretching can all lead to, or worsen an already pinched nerve.

Consult with your doctor, and visit this website to learn how to prevent pinched nerves:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2315773_prevent-pinched-nerve.html

Treatment options for pinched nerves depend largely on location and severity. There are both surgical and non-surgical options. Non-surgical treatments include rest for the affected area, physical therapy and/or anti-inflammatory medications. Again, surgical options vary depending on the location of the pinched nerve and how easily accessible it is to the surgeon. For pinched spinal nerves however, there have been many recent advancements and increased treatment options. These advancements include:

• Spinal navigation technology.

• Live x-rays during surgery, called fluoroscopy

• Spinal implants.


For more treatment options for pinched nerves go to CORE, member of Physician Group of Utah at: http://www.coremds.com/physicians.html
For more information, you can contact Dr Khachatryan at the Center of Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Excellence

3584 West 9000 South, Suite 405

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-568-3480

Physician Group of Utah an organization made up of 26 clinics in Utah, one of which is the Center of Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Excellence (CORE).

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