Pinched nerves are often dismissed as simple aches or pains caused by fatigue. Many people choose to ignore them, hoping they will go away on their own. However, if left untreated, pinched nerves can develop into a serious condition that impairs quality of life.
Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of a severe pinched nerve early on, so that treatment can be carried out before it causes more serious complications.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is a condition where a nerve is compressed due to excessive pressure from surrounding tissue. This pressure can come from bones, muscles, ligaments, or displaced or protruding discs.
This pressure prevents the nerves from functioning normally, triggering pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Pinched nerves most commonly occur in several areas of the body, including:
- Neck (cervical nerves)
- Back
- Lower back or spine (lumbar nerves)
Signs of a Pinched Nerve That Are Serious
A mild pinched nerve usually causes occasional pain. However, as the condition worsens, symptoms become more intense and persistent. Here are some signs of a severe pinched nerve to watch out for:
1. Severe Pain
Sharp, stabbing, or persistent pain, even when the body is at rest, can be a sign of severe nerve compression.
2. Pain Radiating to the Arms or Legs
Pain does not only appear at one point, but spreads along the nerve pathway, for example from the neck to the arm or from the waist to the leg.
3. Prolonged Tingling or Numbness
A tingling, numbness, or numbness sensation that lasts for a long time indicates that the nerves are not transmitting signals properly.
4. Muscle weakness or difficulty moving
Compressed nerves can interfere with muscle function, resulting in reduced strength or limited movement.
5. Burning or Electric Shock Sensation
Some sufferers feel a hot, burning, or electric shock sensation in certain areas.
6. Balance or Body Coordination Disorders
In certain cases, a pinched nerve can affect body coordination and balance, increasing the risk of falls.
Causes of Pinched Nerves Getting Worse
Several factors can worsen a pinched nerve, including:
- Long-term poor posture , such as hunched sitting or uncomfortable working positions.
- Injury or accident , including falls or hard impacts.
- Age and degenerative bone processes , such as calcification or thinning of the joint pads.
- Strenuous activity or repetitive movements that put excessive pressure on the nerves.
Risks of Left Untreated Pinched Nerves
Ignoring a severe pinched nerve can lead to serious risks that directly impact quality of life. Prolonged nerve pressure not only causes pain but can also cause long-term damage.
Here are some risks to be aware of:
1. Permanent Nerve Damage
Continuous pressure on a nerve can permanently damage the nerve fibers. If this condition is not treated promptly, nerve function can be lost and difficult to restore, even if the pain subsides.
2. Decreased motor function
Nerves play a vital role in controlling muscle movement. When a nerve is pinched for a prolonged period, signals to the muscle are disrupted, resulting in weakness, limited movement, or even the inability to move a particular limb.
3. Disturbance of Daily Activities
Chronic pain, tingling, and numbness from a pinched nerve can make simple activities like walking, sitting, standing, or lifting difficult.
4. Risk of Paralysis in Certain Cases
In severe cases, especially if the spinal cord is compressed, a pinched nerve can cause serious nerve dysfunction, even leading to paralysis. This risk increases if nerve compression does not receive prompt medical treatment.
How to Treat Pinched Nerves
Treatment for a pinched nerve depends on its severity and cause. The goal is to reduce pressure on the nerve and prevent the condition from worsening. Some common steps include:
1. Get enough rest
Giving your body time to rest can help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on a pinched nerve.
2. Stretching
Light, targeted stretching helps loosen tight muscles so that pressure on the nerves can be relieved.
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps improve posture, strengthen supporting muscles, and increase flexibility to prevent recurrence of pinched nerves.
4. Taking medication
Medications are used to relieve pain and inflammation, so that sufferers can carry out activities more comfortably.
5. Further Medical Action
If symptoms do not improve, the doctor may recommend further measures such as nerve injections or surgery to address the source of the pressure directly.
Severe pinched nerves should never be ignored. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can help prevent serious complications, including permanent nerve damage.
If you experience persistent pain, persistent tingling, or impaired movement, consult a medical professional immediately. Proper diagnosis and treatment are the best steps to maintaining nerve function and your quality of life.
Article written by Dr. I Made Buddy Setiawan, M.Biomed, Sp.OT(K)Spine (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Spine Consultant at EMC Cikarang, Pekayon & Sentul Hospital).