Pinched nerves, sciatica and carpal tunnel

Pinched nerves and related common conditions like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome can cause significant discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. Understanding these conditions, their causes and how to manage them can help you find effective pain relief and improve your quality of life.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons, apply too much pressure on a nerve. This pressure can disrupt the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Pinched nerves can occur in various parts of the body, including the neck, back and wrists.

Causes of pinched nerves

Pinched nerves can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Repetitive motions: Activities that require repetitive use of a particular part of the body can lead to nerve compression.
• Injury: Trauma from accidents or falls can result in pinched nerves.
• Arthritis: Inflammation and swelling from arthritis can compress nerves.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional pressure on nerves.

What is sciatica and sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatica results from a specific type of pinched nerve that affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Sciatica typically causes pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg and can be accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.

How to relieve sciatica pain

There are several options to try that may help with sciatica pain relief, such as the following:

• Rest: Taking a break from activities that aggravate the pain can help.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy for strengthening muscles around the sciatic nerve and targeted sciatica stretching can help provide relief from chronic pain and discomfort.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help alleviate pain.
• Chiropractic care: Seeing a chiropractor for adjustments may help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve for some people. For more information on Gundersen’s chiropractic services and providers, visit Chiropractic Care | Gundersen Health System.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using a mouse.

Prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome

Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome involves reducing the strain on your hands and wrists. The following tips can help you avoid wrist pain and other problematic symptoms from carpal tunnel:

• Ergonomic adjustments: Ensure your work environment is set up to minimize strain on your wrist.
• Take breaks: Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks or motions involving the hands and wrists can reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel.
• Exercises: Doing simple exercises to stretch and strengthen your hands and wrists can help with carpal tunnel symptom prevention.

The best scientific evidence indicates the causes of CTS are largely structural, genetic and biological, with environmental and occupational factors, such as repetitive hand use, playing a minor role. Onset of CTS is often gradual. It may even go unattended for years as patients adapt and remain asymptomatic.

—Kevin Rumball, MD, Gundersen Orthopedic Surgery

Treatment for pinched nerves

Treatment for pinched nerves varies depending on the severity and location of the nerve compression. Options for treatment often include:

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch the affected area
• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce symptoms
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture and avoiding repetitive motions
• Surgery: May be necessary for severe cases to relieve nerve pressure—Neurosurgery | Gundersen Health System

Understanding pinched nerves, sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome can empower you to take the appropriate steps toward relief and prevention. If you're experiencing nerve pain or other related symptoms, talk to your primary care provider to determine the best course of action for your specific condition. 
For more information on chronic pain management, visit Pain Management | Gundersen Health System and 5 ways to help with everyday aches and pains.