However, your body is resilient, and tissues heal over time. With excessive force or repetitive movements, these discs can sometimes push out of the openings between each vertebrae and encroach on the nerve roots that run through the intervertebral foramen. The vertebral discs allow each segment to easily move on top of one another as well as absorb shock and transmit force through the spinal column to prevent injury. If you are otherwise healthy, a disc herniation is often the cause of a pinched nerve. When it comes to how the nerves become pinched (or in the PT world, “impinged”) the usual culprits are either a herniated disc or the narrowing of the spinal canal (referred to as stenosis on most X-rays and MRIs) by the formation of bony areas of overgrowth known as bone spurs or osteophytes.īy the way: the same thing can happen in the low back, sending the same symptoms into your bum, thigh, calf, or foot. Peripheral Nerves Leaving the Spine (in yellow) | Images courtesy of Complete Anatomy The cervical spine is made up of seven spinal segments called vertebrae (C1-C7). To understand the cause of a pinched nerve, you need to be familiar with the anatomy of the neck, also known as the cervical spine. Let’s dive into what a pinched nerve means and what causes it. Sometimes neck stiffness, arm weakness, or feelings of pins and needles down your arm can be signs of a “pinched nerve”.Ī pinched nerve sounds scary, but it can be successfully addressed with conservative treatment and lifestyle adjustment.
Even as a physical therapist, I know I’ve experienced this on occasion. Have you ever woken up with a feeling of pins and needles into your hand and fingers? Have you ever gone to grab your coffee cup in the morning and dropped it because your hand felt weak? Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck which resulted in difficulty looking over your shoulder throughout the day, like while driving?
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