Understanding Radiating Pain: When Nerve Compression Requires Treatment

Nerves form your body’s electrical system, sending signals between your brain, spine, and body. Without nerves, you wouldn't be able to feel physical sensations or function.

Radiating pain often happens when a nerve gets compressed due to irritation or inflammation, typically near your spine. Knowing the signs and when to seek treatment can help restore your comfort and ease while guarding against complications.

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill, Florida, provide comprehensive nerve pain treatment for patients of all ages.

Nerve compression causes

Anything that adds strain or pressure to a nerve can cause nerve compression, also known as radiculopathy, leading to radiating pain. Causes we regularly see in our office include:

• Arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis 
• Spondylolisthesis
• Vertebral compression fractures

Bony growths on your vertebrae known as bone spurs can also contribute by narrowing the space where nerves pass through — in other words, by causing spinal stenosis.

In addition to wear-and-tear associated with increasing age, auto accidents and sports injuries fuel these issues. Weight gain, pregnancy, scar tissue, and fractures also raise your risk.

Nerve compression symptoms

Nerve compression symptoms often develop gradually. Once your symptoms begin, they may stay fairly persistent or ebb and flow, worsening when you engage in particular activities. You may notice no pain at all, for example, until you lift a heavy object or run.

Common symptoms include radiating pain, tingling or numbness around an affected joint, difficulty using the body area, muscle loss, and arm or leg weakness.

When to seek nerve compression treatment

Any time nerve pain interferes with your ability to function or your quality of life, it’s time to seek expert care. 

Other signs your nerve compression would benefit from treatment include:

• Pain, numbness, or tingling that lasts longer than several days
• Worsening pain,
• Clumsiness due to impaired mobility

Home care may suffice for mild nerve compression, but you shouldn’t attempt to grin and bear your symptoms when any of these factors apply.

Treatments we offer

Your ideal nerve compression treatment depends on your overall health, as well as the cause and severity of your symptoms. After a comprehensive exam and any needed imaging tests, our team may recommend oral medication, injections, or a nerve block. We can also guide you through helpful lifestyle changes.

If your symptoms are severe or treatment-resistant, you may benefit from a minimally invasive or complex spine surgery.

To learn more about radiating pain from nerve compression or get started with effective treatment, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.