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How Long Do Pinched Nerves Last?

As anyone who has pinched their skin knows, that short tweak is extremely painful. You should imagine what it would be like if you sustained that type of pain in your body if you had to deal with it. A pinched nerve occurs when the surrounding tissues exert excessive pressure on the nerve.

All types of tissues can press against nerves, including muscles, bones, cartilage, and tendons. You may experience numbness and tingling as a result.The symptoms of pinched nerves may last between a few days and 4 to 6 weeks - or even longer if you have a serious case (in which case you should consult your physician). Your recovery will be sped up if you treat your pinched nerve as soon as possible. More severe cases may require surgery. 

Pinched Nerve Location

One pinched nerve's duration is heavily influenced by the part of the body it is located in. Furthermore, with which parts of your body does it communicate?The result may also be differing symptoms, as shown in the following examples. 

  • Neck

The nerves and tissues of your neck become inflamed when you sleep awkwardly, have poor posture, crane your neck while sitting at your desk, or perform repetitive movementsIn most cases, the pain should subside within a few days. The symptoms should improve within a few days, however, you should seek medical attention if they do not do so. 

  • Lower Back

Pinned nerves are often caused by herniated discs, as well as other injuries. As a result of this condition, the back, buttocks, and legs are painful, also known as sciatica. An unresolved case of back pain may result in chronic back pain lasting for months if not treated in a timely manner. 

  • Leg

Pinched nerves may occur in the leg as a result of herniated discs in the spine and other injuries. It may take weeks or even years for peripheral neuropathy to develop when left untreated.

  • Shoulder

Pinched nerves in the shoulder can be painful in many ways. If you are experiencing sharp pain when you first notice your shoulder's nerve pain, it is likely to be the result of a pinched nerve. Injuries, arthritis, and tendinitis can cause pinched nerves in the shoulder. Consult a pain doctor in Dallas if the problem persists. 

  • Wrist

When you type frequently, you are likely to experience pinched nerves in your wrist, which may ultimately lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. An individual with this condition will experience prolonged pain or numbness throughout the hand. 

  • Hip

Injuries, obesity, or bone spurs may cause a pinched nerve in your hip. Pinched nerves in the hip may resolve by themselves in a few days if they are the result of an injury. If the condition does not improve within a few days, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How Does a Pinched Nerve Occur?

Tissue or bone can compress nerves in certain circumstances, resulting in symptoms. 

They include:

  • With age, the spine and its discs become worn and damaged due to rheumatoid arthritis. 

  • A pinched nerve may result from a sudden injury sustained during sports or during an accident. 

  • If you lift, pull, or twist in an awkward way, you may end up with a herniated disc in your back. 

  • Obstacles

  • Obesity

  • Pregnancy

  • Diabetes

Pinched Nerve Pain is Short-Lived

In order to determine how long pinched nerves last, several factors must be considered. Inflammation, compression, and the immune system's response all affect when your symptoms subside.

  • A conservative treatment program usually improves symptoms and restores nerve function within six to twelve weeks. 

  • NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can be prescribed as conservative treatments. 

  • Altering your lifestyle may be beneficial, including resting, using ice and hot therapy, exercising frequently, and changing your sleeping position. 

  • A pinched nerve that persists for more than a few months may require surgery to prevent permanent nerve damage and chronic pain. Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove a herniated disc or a bone spur as part of the treatment.

  • This will reduce nerve pressure and increase comfort. Surgical procedures can carry risks and require a lengthy recovery period, so it is always advisable to try conservative treatments first.

When Should I Have An Appointment With My Physician?

The treatment of pinched nerves at home is often possible without the assistance of a physician. However, you should consult your pain physician in Dallas if you experience the following symptoms: 

  • It takes more than a few days for your symptoms to subside. 

  • There are severe symptoms present in your case. 

  • It appears that the pinched nerve pain is returning.

Dr. Rao K. Ali M.D.

Dr. Rao Ali, a board-certified pain management physician, leads the clinic, which specializes in nonsurgical treatment. The physician has experience in the emergency room as well as training in pain management and rehabilitation. As a personal physician, he works with each patient to develop a treatment plan that will minimize or eliminate their pain. Providing expert diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, Pain Management In Dallas, PA provides a comprehensive range of services. These services include neck pain, back pain, hip and knee pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, headaches, migraines, and many others.