Causes of Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related wear and tear on the spine and repetitive tasks that strain muscles and ligaments.
As we age, the discs between the vertebrae in our spine can dry out and shrink. This causes the vertebrae to come closer together, leading to the growth of bone spurs as a compensatory mechanism. Over time, these bone spurs can fill up enough space to pinch the nerve roots in the spinal column, resulting in a pinched nerve.
Repetitive tasks such as typing, using a mouse, and other activities that require fine motor skills can strain the muscles and ligaments in the hands and wrists. This can lead to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, where the muscle and ligament tissue in the wrist pinches the median nerve.
Diagnosis
Pinched nerves are typically diagnosed by medical professionals through a comprehensive physical examination and review of the patient’s medical history. During the examination, doctors will inquire about the symptoms experienced and any relevant accidents or events that may have triggered the pain or injury. Additionally, they will seek to understand which actions exacerbate or alleviate the pain.
In some cases, imaging tests such as an electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan may be employed to confirm a diagnosis, especially when the symptoms are severe or if there is no improvement within a period of 6 to 8 weeks.