There are many ways people in El Paso, Texas, can pinch a nerve in their lower back. For example, herniated discs from a car accident can lead to this problem. Also, an impact to the lower back while playing sports can also cause pinched lower back nerves. There are many types of back injuries, and people may be wondering if the symptoms they have are related to a pinched nerve. If you’re experiencing any of these four common symptoms, it’s possible that you have a pinched lower back nerve.
1. Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of a pinched nerve in the lower back. The pain you feel could show up in different ways. For some people, it may be sharp or feel like a burning sensation in the lower back. Also, a pinched sciatic nerve can lead to pain that seems to shoot down from the lower back into the buttocks, hips, legs or feet. In many cases, the pain you experience from a pinched nerve can get worse when you sit or stand too much, and sleeping on the affected side at night can also lead to an increase in your pain.
2. Tingling and numbness
When you have a pinched lower back nerve, pain isn’t the only nerve-based sensation you might feel. Many people report symptoms like tingling and numbness. Numbness is a direct result of the nerve pinching, and it means that the signals from the brain have been interrupted. The symptom of numbness is also typically accompanied by tingling, and you may feel like you’re being poked by pins or needles.
3. Muscle spasms
Another common symptom of a pinched nerve in the lower back is muscle spasms. These spasms are also called muscle cramps, and they’re when a muscle suddenly and uncontrollably contracts. These spasms can lead to sudden pain in the back or other areas affected by a pinched nerve. You might notice that spasming muscles are hard to the touch, and in some cases, you may actually see the muscle twitching during a spasm.
4. Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness is another symptom that often goes along with pinched lower back nerves. This happens because the nerve signals from the brain are being partially interrupted, and the interruption of these signals means the muscle is less likely to react as strongly. This decreased muscle reaction can make it harder to do normal activities like walking. It can also increase the reaction time of your muscles, making it seem as if you have slower reflexes.
Border Therapy Services in El Paso, TX, can help treat pinched lower back nerves
A pinched lower back nerve isn’t something most people want to live with for very long. At Border Therapy Services in El Paso, our team can help you find ways to treat this painful condition. First, we’ll have you come in for a free screening to help us figure out why your nerve is being pinched. Then, our team will use this information to build you a personalized therapy plan, and your plan may include therapy techniques such as:
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment to begin treating your back pain.