Do you have neck or back pain? If so, you might need pinched nerve treatment if your spinal cord or a nerve root is being pressured by excess tissue, such as a herniated disc, bone spur, or thickened ligament. Because these issues often result from spinal degeneration—which often occurs along with the natural aging process—pinched nerves are common. However, you don’t necessarily have to live with the resulting pain.

Although age-related spinal degeneration is virtually inevitable, the resulting discomfort can often be effectively treated—and sometimes even avoided. The outstanding spine doctors at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Casper, Wyoming, offer a full range of innovative treatment options for pinched nerves and other painful spine conditions. As a preventive measure, we also advise our patients to practice good posture, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight, and avoid heavy lifting and other activities that might strain the spine.

What Can Be Done for a Pinched Nerve?

In some cases, the pressure on a pinched nerve is temporary and the symptoms will resolve with time and home remedies. However, if persistent spinal nerve compression is not addressed with appropriate treatment, a pinched nerve can cause muscle weakness, impaired mobility, and loss of function.

Common treatment options for a pinched nerve include:

• A period of rest and avoidance of activities that could cause or worsen the pain
• Targeted stretches and low-impact exercises to enhance spinal flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine
• Chiropractic manipulation to reduce the pressure on the compressed nerve
• Medications to relax tight muscles and reduce painful inflammation

If severe pain, persistent numbness, or significant muscle weakness persists despite conservative pinched nerve treatment, surgery may be considered. Additionally, a sudden onset of pronounced muscle weakness, such as a foot drop, is a medical emergency that warrants immediate attention (and possibly surgery). At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, our board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons are skilled and experienced in performing the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.

If you would like to explore your pinched nerve treatment options with an orthopedic spine specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our satellite clinic in Casper, WY.