A pinched nerve occurs when something is pressing on the nerve, such as a herniated disc or bone spur. When that happens, the nerve is irritated and can cause numbness, tingling, and pain. Knowing the causes of pinched nerves can help.
Sports activities
Overworking your body and putting strain on your muscles, bones and nerves can negatively affect your body. High contact sports like football and hockey can mean constant aggressive contact to your body. This can compress bones and muscles and constrict a nerve. Treated through rest and physical therapy, pinched nerve pain is relieved once the compression subsides.
Work
Continuous activity and repetitive motions can cause a pinched nerve. This can happen especially for people who work manual labor jobs. The stress of persistent twisting, pulling, moving and lifting can also constrict a nerve.
Posture
People who work office jobs aren’t safe either. Posture is another leading cause of pinched nerves. This cause is more long-term as it’s based on the way in which you sit, stand and even sleep. Over time your posture can temporarily alter your muscle tension, causing a pinched nerve. Purchasing a supportive chair, mattress and shoes as well as being aware of your posture can all help to minimize the chance of getting a pinched nerve.
Injury
Many injuries can also have pinched nerves as a side effect. Typically spinal or other bone and tendon injuries can lead to a pinched nerve.
It’s almost impossible to avoid activities that cause pinched nerves since almost anything can lead to it. The best thing you can do is be aware of your activities and try to be safe.
For more information on pinched nerves or to schedule an appointment to diagnose/treat a pinched nerve, call Spine and Scoliosis Specialists at (336) 333-6306. Dr. Cohen, Dr. Saullo, and Dr. Torrealba all specialize in conditions related to pinched nerves.