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Muscle Spasms Caused by Pinched Nerves

Written By Dr. Jay Brodwyn & Associates on March 30, 2018

If you’ve ever had a pinched nerve, you’ll know how painful and debilitating they can be. 

Not only can they induce numbness in the affected area, but they may also cause shooting pains when you move in a certain direction. 

And if you develop a pinched nerve in the back, you may also suffer from muscle spasms, which heighten the pain and symptoms. 

What Causes Muscle Spasms and Pinched Nerves? 

Nerves can be pinched by a number of different things, including bone spurs (caused by arthritis of the spine) and herniated discs that pinch spinal nerves. The carpal tunnel is another common place to have pinched nerves due to the “bottleneck” that’s created where the nerve needs to travel into your hand. 

However, it doesn’t matter where this pinched nerve is, because most patients will experience the same types of symptoms. These include a numb sensation and muscle spasms. 

Often, you may feel numbness in your hand, even if the pinched nerve isn’t located within the carpal tunnel. This is because the brain can’t differentiate between the end, beginning, or middle of a nerve.  

What Are the Symptoms of Pinched Nerves?  

As well as numbness in certain areas, pinched nerves in the lower back usually induce a pain that travels all the way down your leg. Again, these symptoms seem to be radiating along your leg, which is why it’s known as “referred pain.”

Pinched nerves in the back tend to be accompanied by muscle spasms. However, sometimes, when a nerve’s pinched, the only symptoms may be weakness in your leg or arm and numbness – you might not have any pain. 

Other symptoms include cold/hot sensations, electric, burning, and tingling.  

How Can Pinched Nerves be Treated? 

If you’ve only just noticed your pinched nerve or it’s gotten worse throughout the day, self-care remedies may be sufficient enough to alleviate your symptoms. 

The pain could be coming from a strain or muscle spasm that’s put your nerve under pressure, so it’s important to try and relax your muscles. You can do this by taking a hot shower, switching between heat and ice every 20 minutes on the affected area, and having a massage.

In many cases, though, visiting your chiropractor in Columbus will be the most effective option. 

Physical therapy (including spinal manipulation) helps get rid of your symptoms by reducing the pressure on your nerve and increasing the support, flexibility, and strength of the surrounding areas. 

Most people will find these non-surgical, drug-free methods work best for them and get rid of their pain completely. 

Want to know more about the chiropractic treatments we offer at Brodwyn and Associates? Then get in touch with our friendly team today on 706-563-3370. 


Posted In: Chiropractic