A pinched nerve can dramatically impact your daily life. It is often accompanied by pain, discomfort, and other unwanted symptoms. Symptoms can occur near the pinched nerve or radiate beyond just the location of the issue. Prompt treatment is necessary as there are several treatment options available to address the issue. You may wonder, can a pinched nerve cause headaches? A pinched nerve can cause a number of symptoms. Below, you will find helpful information about the symptoms and what to do when you experience them.

Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Headaches?

A pinched nerve occurs when excess pressure is applied to a nerve. The pressure is often from the surrounding tissues, including the muscles, bones, and tendons. The pressure impacts the function of the nerve, which can lead to unwanted symptoms. A headache is a common symptom caused by a pinched nerve. This is especially true if the pinched nerve is in your neck.

In addition to headaches, common symptoms of a pinched nerve include tingling, pain, or numbness in the affected area. These symptoms can result in a headache, or the headache can manifest as a symptom directly caused by the pinched nerve. No matter what the cause it is important to consult with a medical professional. They can diagnose the issue and create a pinched nerve treatment plan to address your pinched nerve.

Causes of Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve is a common medical issue. It has several causes, including some that can be controlled. However, some causes are outside of your control.

Repetitive Motions:

Certain activities that involve repetitive motions can result in a pinched nerve. This may be physical or work-related movements. However, they are often unnatural, which is why they can lead to inflammation. In turn, the inflammation and swelling can lead to a pinched nerve.

Injury:

Accidents can happen, which can lead to injuries. A common cause of a pinched nerve is an injury, most often a fall, car accident, or sports injury. Injuries are often accompanied by swelling and inflammation. This can ultimately lead to a pinched nerve.

Bad Posture:

Poor posture over an extended period of time can lead to a pinched nerve. This is because bad posture can put excess pressure and stress on certain areas of your body. If this impacts the alignment of your spine, it can lead to nerve compression.

Herniated Discs:

There are special discs in your spine that serve as a cushion for your vertebrae. When the disc shifts, or is herniated, it can impact the surrounding nerves. This can cause pain, discomfort, and a pinched nerve in some cases.

Obesity:

Excess weight can put a lot of pressure on your joints and nerves. This is especially true when it comes to your lower back and spine. The areas bear a lot of weight already, so obesity can make it worse. This can lead to a pinched nerve caused by the additional pressure.

Pinched Nerve Treatment

An untreated pinched nerve can lead to a number of additional unwanted issues. These issues include chronic pain, nerve damage, loss of or limited mobility, loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, impaired reflexes, and an increased risk of falling. Additionally, patients who do not get prompt treatment often experience a decrease in their quality of life and other secondary issues. Avoid this by seeking treatment as soon as you experience any symptoms.

Dr. Yashar at Yashar Neurosurgery is skilled in treating pinched nerves. He can assess your symptoms and provide you with an accurate diagnosis. From there, a customized treatment plan is created to address your unique needs. Contact Dr. Yashar today to schedule an appointment!