Consultation & Appointments:  805.449.0088
Contact Virella Spine Surgery - Click Here
Virella Spine Surgery
Dr. Anthony Virella, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Neurological Spine Surgeon



Understanding What a Pinched Nerve Means and How to Treat It



"The doctor said I have a pinched spinal nerve."

It's a very common statement. But, while many patients know they have a pinched nerve, they may not know exactly what it is or how to treat it. To help guide you, we've created this post to educate and inform patients who have (or think they may have) a pinched spinal nerve.

Let's jump right in:

Anatomy: The Spinal Column, Canal, and Cord

The spine has four regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic.

Understanding What a Pinched Nerve Means and How to Treat It
The four regions of the spine


The bones (vertebrae) of each region stack on top of one another to form the spinal canal, which creates a tunnel for the spinal cord to run from the brain to the lower back. Each vertebra has a small hole that allows the spinal cord to branch out and innervate different muscles and organs.

Understanding What a Pinched Nerve Means and How to Treat It
Nerves branch from the spinal cord


When a vertebra or spinal disc is damaged or diseased, it can pinch one of the nerves and cause a host of unpleasant symptoms such as localized or radiating pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities and loss of motor functions.

Causes of a Pinched Nerve

Degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, spinal stenosis and herniated discs are among the most common conditions that alter the anatomy of the spine and can cause a pinched spinal nerve. The most common causes of the above mentioned are:
  • Age
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Sports accidents
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Heavy lifting injuries
  • Arthritis
Once a nerve is pinched, symptoms develop and need to be treated.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Symptoms occur in the back and/or the area of the body that the pinched nerve innervates. Some of the most common symptoms are:
  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
All of these symptoms can cause day-to-day problems that will persist when left untreated.

Treatments for a Pinched Nerve

Any, all, or any combination of the following non-surgical treatment options can be used to decrease or eliminate symptoms:
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
  • Physical therapy
  • Activity modification
  • Steroid injections
  • Pain medications
If non-surgical treatment fails, the nerve may need to be decompressed via surgery.

Advances in Minimally Invasive Surgical techniques now allow spinal surgeons to access and decompress the spinal nerves using incisions as small as an inch and can be performed on an outpatient bases. The specific procedure used to decompress the spinal nerve(s) is based on your unique condition as well as your lifestyle, activities and goals.

The Role of a Neurosurgeon

The first step in treating a pinched nerve is obtaining a detailed history and a physical examination. After the underlying cause of the pinched nerve is determined, a treatment plan is prescribed and symptom relief occurs.




Dr. Anthony Virella is a Board-Certified, Fellowship trained Neurological Spine Surgeon with advanced training in the management of complex spinal disorders. He attended medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and is a graduate of the UCLA Neurosurgery Residency Program. Dr. Virella is a nationally recognized specialist in the field of complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and has offices located in Agoura Hills, Valencia and Palmdale. If you, or someone you love, is suffering from persistent neck or back pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

View All Blogs



Serving Patients in:
Agoura Hills - Los Angeles County - Ventura County - Orange County - San Diego County - San Fernando Valley - San Leandro - Bakersfield - Van Nuys
Schedule Your Appointment Today

About Dr. Virella

  • Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
  • Fellowship Trained
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques

Locations

  • Agoura Hills
  • Los Angeles County
  • Ventura County
  • Orange County
  • San Diego County
  • San Fernando Valley
  • San Leandro
  • Bakersfield
  • Van Nuys
Dr. Virella

(805) 449-0088


Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy