A pinched nerve in your back is common because of the many nerves that run through it, especially in your upper back and neck area. A pinched nerve in your upper back is a frequent problem because it is such an intricate area that even the slightest bit of abnormal pressure on this area can cause pain or discomfort.
Pinched Nerve in Upper Back
A pinched nerve in your back can actually cause symptoms to occur throughout your body. A pinched nerve in your upper back can cause symptoms from your shoulder to your fingers. You may experience sharp pain or a dull aching pain. The severity of the pain will depend on the pressure that is being placed on the nerve.
Your muscles may become weak because when there is pressure on the nerves, you may not be able to produce as much force as you could without this pressure. You may experience a loss of sensation and/or a “pins and needles” sensation down to your fingertips. When a nerve in your upper back becomes impinged, it is common to have back spasms.
Pinched Nerve in Lower Back
A pinched nerve in your lower back is also common. There are many causes for this pressure; however, the most common is the surrounding tissue putting pressure on the nerve due to muscle imbalances. There are tests that can be performed to target these unbalances so they can be corrected.
There are many possibilities as to how you can get a pinched nerve in your back, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. Imbalances are even more common. The following scenario is a common situation that can cause an imbalance which can result in a pinched nerve in your back.
If you spend a lot of time driving, your right foot is constantly on the brakes or accelerator, while your other foot is not being used. As time goes on, you may have a habit of sitting more on the left buttock while you put your right hip in a hiking position.
Over time, you can begin to feel pain in the right buttock that will go down the back of your right leg. A pinched nerve in the back can be caused because the lower back has become shortened, which can result to nerve pressure or can cause tension on the piriformis muscle that can result to pressure on the nerve that stimulates the back portion of your thigh.
Instant Temporary Treatments for Pinched Nerve in Back
While surgery is a more permanent treatment, it is generally the absolute final treatment plan considered. There are some options you can try that can provide instant relief. Here are just a few options:
- Muscle Relaxant – These are effective when a muscle is directly applying pressure on a nerve. They can relax your muscle, which will take pressure off of the nerve. It is not a permanent fix; however, it can provide instant relief until the relaxant stops working. There are injections that can be injected into your lower back; however, these are not recommended because they can be expensive and only treat the symptoms instead of the actual imbalance issue.
- Back Brace – A back brace can help to support weak back muscles, which can let irritated tissue heal. However, it is important that you do not rely on a back brace for too long because your muscles can weaken. Only use a back brace as initial relief from pain, but not as a long term treatment plan.
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs – If you have any inflamed areas, they can swell and increase the pressure on the nerves. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce the inflammation; therefore, they will reduce the pressure. They are only effective if you, in fact, have inflammation and should only be used for temporary relief.
- Exercises and Stretching – Specific exercise and stretching positions can help the area to heal quicker. They can strengthen the weaker muscles, as well as stretch the stronger muscles. It is important to contact a doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
Rest is very important in the early stages of a pinched nerve in your back; however, too much rest can inhibit your recovery because it can weaken your muscles and worsen your condition.
