Think You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Back

Think You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Back
A pinched nerve in your back can be described as compressed or injured. From a medical-standpoint, there is very little difference in semantics. However, having a pinched, or compressed nerve, is something that should not be taken lightly-as if left untreated, it will likely leave you with a numb, weak, and even pain-ridden back. Here are some of the classic symptoms associated with pinched nerves, particularly originating from the back area.
The most common indicators of a probable pinched nerve include numbness, or a part of the back which has lost much or all of its feeling; tingling; or weakness in the region that the nerve serves. There can also very well be sharp pains in the region of a pinched nerves-most notably numbness and pain in the legs. Twitching of the muscle(s) in the particular region or muscular spasms ("pins and needles") are also tell-tell signs of a possible pinched or compressed back nerve.
The causes of pinched nerves are not simply defined. Historically, a compressed nerve has been determined to be the aftermath of such things as disc herniation, repetitive stress-related injuries, poor posture, being overweight, osteoporotic fractures and osteoarthritis. Take note, however, that long term pain in the back is rarely a sign of a compressed nerve, at least in theory, a completely compressed nerve.
A partially compressed nerve, to the contrary, can likely be the culprit of chronic back pain and weakness, since a portion of the nerve is still transmitting, but what is being transmitted between the nerve and your brain is essentially "I'm injured and I need help". Usually a compressed nerve will cause only numbness and weakness, though.
Tips to help alleviate pinched nerves include staying physically active and consulting with a chiropractor. By laying in bed, sitting still, or just lounging around much of the time, your heart is weakened-and thus, so will be your muscles. Do regular stretches and aerobic exercises. This will make the heart stronger, and in turn, provide much a better blood flow to the affected areas in your back (as well as other parts of the body that may be troublesome
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