A pinched nerve can cause pain and discomfort in many parts of your body. If you don’t receive immediate treatment and relief, it’s possible that this injury could knock you off your feet for an extended period of time.
There are many causes of a pinched nerve, some of which are directly related to employment. For example, if you repeat the same motion day after day, it can eventually result in this injury.
While nerve compression in the back and neck are common, this injury can also impact your elbow, hands, wrists and fingers.
Common symptoms of a pinched nerve
If you’re concerned about a pinched nerve, it’s critical to track your symptoms and share them with your medical team.
Some of the telltale signs of a pinched nerve include:
- Pain in the area of the compression, such as the neck
- Tingling or numbness in the local area
- Radiating pain
- Weakness
- Burning sensation
Also, you may notice that symptoms worsen when you attempt to complete a particular movement, such as picking up an object or bending over.
What’s the best treatment?
There is no perfect answer to this question, as a pinched nerve affects everyone differently. Some people are able to find relief by avoiding activity that causes their pain. Others, however, need more intense treatment, such as the following:
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injection
- Splint
- Narcotics
It’s not typical, but there are times when a pinched nerve is so severe that surgery is required. This is usually the case if you’ve tried every other type of treatment, but your pain remains.
Pinpoint the cause to avoid additional trouble
It’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause of a pinched nerve, but with the help of your medical team you should be able to narrow it down.
Once you understand the cause, you can then take action to prevent additional damage. Many people come to learn that their pinched nerve is a direct result of their employment. In this case, your doctor will likely suggest that you take time away from work.
This should lead you to file a California workers’ compensation claim, as you want to collect benefits as you recover. If your claim is denied, file an appeal and continue to fight until you receive the compensation you deserve.
