Nerve Compression
What is nerve compression?
Nerve Compression (also known as a “pinched nerve”) occurs when there is compression or pressure on a nerve related to the spinal column. Damage from a pinched nerve may be minor or severe and can cause temporary or chronic problems. In some cases, damage from a compressed nerve is irreversible. The good news is treatment usually relieves pain and other troubling symptoms.
How is nerve compression diagnosed?
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to pinpoint any problems, such as muscle weakness, numbness or changes in your reflexes. Other tests used to diagnose nerve compression include:
- Ultrasound
- EMG tests
- MRI
- X-rays
- CT scan
What are the risk factors for nerve compression?
There are several risk factors for a pinched nerve, including:
- Poor posture
- Arthritis
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Injury
- Spinal tumors
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Bone spurs
I’ve been diagnosed with nerve compression. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for nerve compression?
After you’ve been diagnosed with nerve compression, it’s important to immediately stop or limit any activities that can irritate the pinched nerve. Getting the rest you need is key. Depending on the location and cause of your nerve compression, several treatment options are available. These include:
- A brace to immobilize the area and allow it to heal
- Physical therapy to relieve pressure and reduce pain
- Medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and enhance mobility
- Surgery
In certain cases, narcotics may be prescribed temporarily to patients who experience severe pain. If your condition doesn’t improve within a few months of non-surgical care, surgery may be necessary. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the compressed nerve and any underlying conditions causing the pinched nerve.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.
What is nerve compression?
Nerve Compression (also known as a “pinched nerve”) occurs when there is compression or pressure on a nerve related to the spinal column. Damage from a pinched nerve may be minor or severe and can cause temporary or chronic problems. In some cases, damage from a compressed nerve is irreversible. The good news is treatment usually relieves pain and other troubling symptoms.
How is nerve compression diagnosed?
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to pinpoint any problems, such as muscle weakness, numbness or changes in your reflexes. Other tests used to diagnose nerve compression include:
- Ultrasound
- EMG tests
- MRI
- X-rays
- CT scan
What are the risk factors for nerve compression?
There are several risk factors for a pinched nerve, including:
- Poor posture
- Arthritis
- Bulging discs
- Herniated discs
- Injury
- Spinal tumors
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Bone spurs
I’ve been diagnosed with nerve compression. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for nerve compression?
After you’ve been diagnosed with nerve compression, it’s important to immediately stop or limit any activities that can irritate the pinched nerve. Getting the rest you need is key. Depending on the location and cause of your nerve compression, several treatment options are available. These include:
- A brace to immobilize the area and allow it to heal
- Physical therapy to relieve pressure and reduce pain
- Medication to reduce inflammation and pain
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and enhance mobility
- Surgery
In certain cases, narcotics may be prescribed temporarily to patients who experience severe pain. If your condition doesn’t improve within a few months of non-surgical care, surgery may be necessary. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the compressed nerve and any underlying conditions causing the pinched nerve.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and you with the great chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.