Back Pain Caused by a Pinched Nerve or Degenerated Disc?
If you are having symptoms of back pain and you have done a basic google search then the question that would arise in your mind would be ‘is it because of a pinched nerve or do I have a degenerative disc disease?’ This article will provide answers to all your queries related to back pain with an emphasis on spinal stenosis. It will also recommend a leading back pain specialist so that you not only know the exact reason behind your discomfort but who to approach in order to get it treated.
Pinched Nerve in the Lower Back Explained
Lumbar radiculopathy or a pinched nerve in the lower back happens when there is undue pressure on the nerves near the last five vertebrae in the lower back. It is a condition that causes discomfort and is detrimental to your daily functioning.
Causes:
Lumbar radiculopathy can occur due to a number of causes. Some of them include:
- Spinal injury
- Spinal trauma
- Spinal stenosis
- Slip disc
- Bulged disc
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Nerve degeneration
Treatment Options:
Pinched nerves in the lower back can be treated by consuming pain medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and mild exercises. Other options include minor surgeries or spinal injections.
Symptoms of pinched nerve in lower back:
If you have a nerve in your back that is pitched then you will experience the following symptoms:
- Sciatica is the name assigned to a pain that radiates into your limbs. It is either a combination of numbness and a tingling sensation or persisting pain. It also includes severe pain, weakness, and spasms. It further includes:
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Leg pain
- Pain in the buttocks
- Pain in ankles and feet
- Loss or slowing down of reflexes
- Decreased functionality
- Muscle spasms
Degenerated Disc Explained:
Degenerated disc disease happens due to wear and tear of a spinal disc. The symptoms do not necessarily worsen with age, they worsen due to wear and tear. It is characterized by a constant, radiating pain that is persistent, bearable, and yet quite uncomfortable. It also includes occasional episodes of extreme pain. It is less a disease and more a natural consequence of age. One should not worry too much about having this condition since it does not cause any significant debilitation or disability in the long term
Pinched nerve in back treatment:
Treatment options for a degenerated disc are easy and non-invasive. It can be treated by accommodating certain changes in your habits and through over the counter medications as well as ointments.
Conclusion
Based in Birmingham, Dr. Jwalant S Mehta is a spinal surgeon and a medical consultant who specializes in spinal deformity corrections. He has a wealth of experience in treating children as well as adults and is a part of various medical boards and committees. He is not only a practicing, experienced doctor but a researcher who has actively contributed towards generating knowledge related to the spinal system. If you are facing any issues related to your spine, Dr. Mehta is the best person to approach.