Once more, the frigid cold months of winter are upon us. Many people choose to hibernate during this time, since the most popular outside physical activities tend to be more difficult to partake in. Some people will be motivated to remain active by means of running, biking, snowboarding, winter camping, etc., as well as donning more layers to undertake those activities we enjoy. I have recognized, during my 10 years in practice, that there is a rise in the number of people entering the office this time of the season, complaining of discomfort related to pinched nerves.
The spine is made of individual spinal vertebrae and contains the spinal cord. The spinal cord runs to every organ and system of the human body by way of a network of nerves leaving the vertebrae or bones of the spine. These vertebrae can turn and change their position causing pinching of the nerves of the body. This could certainly lead to serious pain, numbness, tingling, a decrease of strength, and a decrease of function. Other methods that nerves might pinch is by pressure from a spinal disc, also known as a herniated disc, and pressure from soft tissues such as muscle, ligament, or tendons. The most common areas of the spine to experience a pinched nerve is in the lower cervical spine, in the neck, specifically at the fifth, sixth, or seventh cervical vertebrae.
Several men and women with cervical pinched nerves can have pain in the neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, any part of the arm, the wrist, and frequently could have pins and needles or tingling in the fingers. A person can have any just one of these kinds of signs and symptoms. I have many patients with a pinching of the nerves in their neck that only have pain in their shoulder, pain in the wrist, sometimes confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, or even just numbness and tingling in their fingers, and they are not sure where the cause of the problem is coming from. They might have no neck pain or neck immobility but the reason for the problem is coming from the spine, as this is where the nerve begins. Easy orthopedic tests, and dermatome, each vertebra is connected with a certain skin location where pain or numbness and tingling is present, tests can determine which vertebrae should be treated to get rid of the pressure off the nerve.
Another standard region for a pinched nerve in the spine is in the lumbar spine, in the lower back, mainly the third, fourth, and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The most widespread pinched nerve in this region of the spine is sometimes called sciatic pain if it involves the sciatic nerve. The fourth lumbar is the origin of the sciatic nerve. When it comes to this impingement, someone could have pain only in the back of the leg, it can be shooting, sharp, as well as burning. They can have pain simply in the buttocks, or pain only in the foot or ankle. Just like in the neck they might have no discomfort in the low back. Some of these patients believe they have a leg or foot issue, when the reason for the problem is actually originating from higher up in the spine.
The icy winter season lead to our muscles, tendons, and ligaments to be tighter compared to the warmer weather. Picture our muscles, tendons, and ligaments similar to rubber. Rubber expands more when in hotter temperature, but loses flexibility in the colder weather conditions. This is the same way the soft tissues of our body work. So, in the cooler temperature months our muscles, tendons, and ligaments are not stretching as far and are basically pulling a bit harder on the vertebrae of the spine. This can lead to a vertebrae going out of alignment and causing a pinching of a nerve.
How to prevent Pinched Nerves The most effective injury and pinched nerve prevention, when you find yourself engaging in a task in winter months, would be to do a very delicate warm up. For around 10 minutes before you participate in the activity simulate the movements which you do in your activity. For example, mild running, twisting, throwing, lifting, and this really should be at about 10 to 15 percent of your maximum output. This can encourage blood flow to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, permitting them to become more elastic and shock absorber ready.
Proper stretching after the warm-up, and then again after the exercise is essential for attaining optimum injury prevention and hopefully avoiding pinched nerves. The issue is that stretching is often carried out improperly. Many people stretch too much and too quickly. Stretches must be mild, and create a soothing sensation of mild stretch or tension. There shouldn't be pain, discomfort, or bouncing movements. The stretch really should be kept for about thirty seconds, but no less than 20. Stretching too intensely, or for less than twenty seconds might initiate a stretch reflex that may essentially make the muscle to tighten-up even more.
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About the Author Dr. Louis Granirer is seen as a well respected
Chiropractor for Neck Pain, specializing in Severe
Neck Pain Treatment. Dr. Lou likes sharing his understanding and experience to help readers maintain exceptional health and wellness standards.
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