Trapped nerve how long does it last

The pressure interferes with the way the nerve functions and leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and tingling. Symptoms may affect your back, hips, legs, ankles, or feet. There are a variety of reasons you may experience a pinched nerve. An injury, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes, spinal stenosis, repetitive work or hobbies, pregnancy, or obesity may all increase your risk for this condition.

To diagnose a pinched nerve, a doctor will test your reflexes as well as your ability to move your muscles. They may also order an imaging test such as an MRI, CT-scan, or x-ray to look at the structures in your back or neck or an electromyography EMG to check the function of your nerves.

So how long does a pinched nerve cause pain and discomfort? In most cases, symptoms improve and nerve function resumes to normal within 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatment. Depending on the severity of your impingement, your doctor will make recommendations or prescribe the necessary medications. Your doctor may recommend a course of physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and prevent re-injury of the compromised nerve s.

This is especially useful in cases where there is no underlying structural cause for the pinched nerve. If all else fails, there are several excellent surgical options available for impingements. These should always be performed by a well-seasoned neurosurgeon with a specialization in the procedure you are having performed.

Neurosurgery has come light years from what it once was — whereas a discectomy 20 years ago may have landed you in the hospital for weeks and then unable to do much for months, new techniques now allow for very short recoveries and little-to-no expectation for follow-up procedures. Surgeries commonly performed for pinched nerves include posterior cervical foraminotomy and microdiscectomy, anterior disc surgery and minimally invasive lumbar fusion, just to name a few.

Your neurosurgeon can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment so you can return to the things you love. Close Search. What is on your mind? Loading search bar Pinched median nerve A pinched median nerve in your wrist can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in your hand and fingers carpal tunnel syndrome. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke.

Accessed Oct. Rutkove SB. Overview of lower extremity peripheral nerve syndromes. Overview and evaluation of hand disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version. In rare cases when symptoms have not responded to 6 or 12 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, or you have severe weakness or intractable pain, surgery may be considered.

Visit a doctor if you have symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiate into the arm or leg. The sooner you seek medical attention, the sooner you can receive an accurate diagnosis and start an effective treatment plan. Back Care for Lower Back Pain. Treatment for Neck Pain. Radiculopathy, Radiculitis and Radicular Pain. Cervical Radiculopathy Interactive Video.