Spinal nerve compression, often referred to as a pinched nerve, occurs when surrounding tissues place excessive pressure on a spinal nerve root. This pressure disrupts the normal function of the nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. While some cases of nerve compression are mild and may resolve on their own, others can lead to chronic discomfort, significantly impacting daily activities. Thankfully, a range of treatment options, including physical therapy, can help alleviate symptoms and restore function. We enjoy helping our patients with nerve compression at EW Motion Therapy reduce pain and improve mobility so they can return to their favorite activities. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on to learn more about the causes of spinal nerve compression and how it affects daily life.
Common causes of spinal nerve compression
Several conditions and factors can lead to spinal nerve compression. Specific spinal abnormalities like bulging discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis can cause significant compression. Understanding the differences among these causes helps in identifying appropriate treatments.
Bulging discs
A bulging disc occurs when a spinal disc, which functions as a cushion between the vertebrae, starts to protrude beyond its normal boundary. Unlike a herniated disc, where the inner gel leaks out through the disc’s outer wall, a bulging disc remains intact but extends outward into the spinal canal or foramina (the openings through which nerves exit the spine). This bulge can place pressure on nearby nerves, particularly if the disc presses against the nerve roots in the cervical or lumbar regions.
How does a bulging disc happen?
- Aging: Over time, the spinal discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more susceptible to bulging.
- Strain: Heavy lifting or repetitive movements with improper form or posture, can increase stress on the spinal discs.
- Trauma: Accidents or falls may cause sudden pressure on the spine, leading to bulging.
Symptoms of a bulging disc include:
- Pain that radiates along the path of the affected nerve.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.
- Increased discomfort during activities that involve bending or twisting.
While bulging discs can sometimes resolve on their own, chronic cases often require intervention (surgery) to alleviate nerve compression.
Bone spurs (osteophytes)
Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, typically as a result of osteoarthritis. When the spine experiences degeneration or inflammation, the body sometimes attempts to repair the affected area by forming new bone. These spurs may form in the spinal canal or the foramina, where nerves exit the spine, leading to compression.
Why do bone spurs form?
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis in the spine is the most common predictor of bone spurs. The degeneration of cartilage can lead to friction between bones, prompting the body to produce spurs as a protective mechanism.
- Degenerative disc disease: The loss of disc height and changes in spine alignment can cause increased pressure on the joints, encouraging spur formation.
- Trauma: Injuries to the vertebrae can sometimes stimulate the growth of bone spurs.
Symptoms of bone spurs include:
- Pain, particularly during movement.
- Stiffness in the neck or back.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs if the bone spur presses on a nerve.
- Weakness in muscles controlled by the compressed nerve.
Bone spurs can sometimes be managed conservatively, but in severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Foraminal stenosis
Foraminal stenosis occurs when the foramina, the small openings between the vertebrae through which nerve roots exit the spine, become narrowed. This narrowing can be caused by a variety of factors, including bulging discs, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments, all of which can compress the spinal nerves as they exit the spinal column.
Causes of foraminal stenosis include:
- Degenerative changes: As we age, wear and tear on the spine can cause the foramina to narrow.
- Disc problems: A bulging or herniated disc may extend into the foramina, reducing space for the nerve roots.
- Bone spurs: Spurs can form within the foramina, contributing to compression of the nerves.
Symptoms of foraminal stenosis include:
- Localized pain in the neck or back.
- Radiating pain that travels along the nerve’s path (e.g., sciatica in the legs or radiculopathy in the arms).
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.
Foraminal stenosis often affects specific nerve roots, resulting in more localized symptoms compared to central stenosis. Physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms by strengthening surrounding muscles and improving spinal alignment, reducing pressure on the nerves.
Central stenosis
Central stenosis refers to the narrowing of the central spinal canal, where the spinal cord itself runs. This type of stenosis can affect a larger portion of the spinal cord, often resulting in more widespread symptoms compared to foraminal stenosis. Central stenosis is most commonly caused by degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, disc bulging, or thickening of the ligaments within the spine.
What causes central stenosis?
- Degenerative disc disease: The collapse of discs can lead to a reduced space within the spinal canal.
- Bone spurs: Osteophytes can form along the vertebrae, narrowing the central spinal canal.
- Thickened ligaments: The ligaments that support the spine can thicken due to age or wear, reducing the space available for the spinal cord and nerves.
- Herniated or bulging discs: These conditions can intrude into the central canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord.
Symptoms of central stenosis include:
- Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, often worsened by walking or standing for long periods.
- Difficulty with balance and coordination.
- In more severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction can occur, as the spinal cord controls these functions.
Central stenosis can cause more global effects, including difficulty walking and standing for long periods. Physical therapy can help manage symptoms by improving posture, increasing flexibility, and strengthening the muscles that support the spine, thereby reducing pressure on the spinal cord.
Several other factors can contribute to the development of spinal nerve compression, often related to degenerative changes, injuries, or lifestyle factors. These include:
- Herniated discs: A herniated or “slipped” disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, often compressing nearby spinal nerves. This condition is especially common in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions of the spine, where the vertebrae bear significant weight (lumbar spine) and/or require a lot of mobility (cervical spine)
- Degenerative disc disease: As we age, the discs in our spine lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing properties. This degeneration can cause the discs to shrink or bulge, potentially placing pressure on nearby nerves. Degenerative disc disease is one of the leading causes of nerve compression in older adults.
- Injuries: Trauma to the spine, whether from a car accident, fall, or sports-related injury, can result in swelling, fractures, or dislocated vertebrae. These injuries may compress spinal nerves either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can cause the breakdown of cartilage in the spine, leading to the formation of bone spurs. These spurs may compress nearby nerves, particularly in the neck and lower back, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Poor posture: Over time, consistently poor posture can lead to misalignment in the spine, placing undue stress on certain areas. Slouching, sitting for extended periods, or lifting improperly can all contribute to nerve compression in the spine.
Symptoms of an impinged nerve
When a spinal nerve is compressed, it can produce a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the compression. Common symptoms of spinal nerve compression include:
- Pain: The most noticeable symptom of nerve compression is pain, which can radiate from the site of compression to other areas of the body. For example, compression in the cervical spine can cause neck pain that radiates down the arms, while lumbar compression may cause lower back pain that extends into the legs (sciatica).
- Numbness and tingling: Compressed nerves often result in a lack of sensation or “pins and needles” feelings in the affected areas. These sensations typically occur in the extremities, such as the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
- Muscle weakness: Nerve compression can interfere with the communication between the brain and muscles, leading to weakness in specific muscles. This weakness may make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as gripping objects or walking.
- Decreased reflexes: If the compression is severe, it can impact the reflexes controlled by the affected nerves. Decreased reflexes can be a sign of long-standing or significant nerve damage.
- Burning sensation: Many people with spinal nerve compression report a burning or searing sensation along the path of the affected nerve. This is often the result of irritation to the nerve fibers.
How nerve compression affects daily life
Spinal nerve compression can severely impact a person’s ability to perform routine tasks, as the associated pain, numbness, and weakness interfere with daily activities. Individuals with compressed nerves may find it difficult to:
Work
For those who have physically demanding jobs, nerve compression can limit their ability to lift, bend, or perform repetitive movements. Even desk jobs can become challenging due to the discomfort from sitting or the inability to focus through the pain.
Exercise and stay active
Physical activity can exacerbate symptoms, particularly in cases of nerve compression in the lower back or neck. Activities such as running, cycling, or even walking may become painful or impossible to continue without proper treatment.
Sleep
Chronic pain from nerve compression can make finding a comfortable sleeping position difficult, resulting in disrupted sleep and fatigue. This lack of rest can further contribute to irritability, lack of focus, and even depression.
Perform simple movements
Basic daily tasks, such as getting dressed, cooking, or driving, can become more difficult due to pain, numbness, or muscle weakness. The inability to perform these tasks independently can lead to frustration and a decline in quality of life.
Spinal nerve compression can be a complex and painful condition, with impacts on various aspects of daily life, from mobility to quality of sleep and overall well-being. Recognizing the underlying causes can empower individuals to make informed decisions about seeking help and managing symptoms effectively. Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help alleviate discomfort, promote healing, and restore function. If you’re ready to learn more about the best treatment options for spinal nerve compression, including non-surgical and physical therapy-based approaches, read our in-depth guide on managing spinal nerve compression here.
