Pinched Nerve in back - Learn What Causes This Problem

In order to understand how one can suffer from a pinched nerve in the back, understanding what nerves are is essential. Nerves are electrical cords in your body that carry information between the brain and the rest of the body. Nerves are distributed all over the entire body.

There are two types of nerves, motor nerves and sensory nerves. Motor nerves, are medically referred to as efferent nerves, these are the nerves that carry information from the brain and deliver these information to the rest of the body.

These nerves make muscles move and regulate organ functions. Sensory nerves, on the other hand, are medically referred to afferent nerves; these are the nerves that send information from the body back to the brain. This is how our brain receives sensory information such as pain, taste, smell, etc.

Information travels along both types of nerves by way of electrochemical signal. When a nerve is pinched, the signal is interrupted and it fails to complete its journey. If you think you are suffering from this condition, have it checked by a medical professional before it gets worse.

So what can cause a pinched nerve in the back? Injury to the back that resulted in compression can result in a pinched nerve. Two of the most common causes are herniated discs and muscle imbalance. Both of these are caused by poor posture, resulting in the application of abnormal pressure on a disc (or in some cases, multiple discs), which over time accumulates extra wear and tear. This creates a weak spot, which can breakdown at anytime, which then results in a direct contact with the nerve. A direct contact to the nerves can be extremely painful.

A herniated disc is not the sole cause of a pinched nerve in the back. Poor posture, muscle imbalances, which alter the positioning of the muscles can also result in a pinched nerve. This happens when muscles (as well as tendons and ligaments) exert abnormal pressure on the nerve thus causing pain.

A pinched nerve in the back does not take place ove
ight. Although symptoms can arise very quickly, it will take some time before enough pressure is exerted on the nerve to cause severe pain. Problems with posture cannot be treated with any form of medication and pain can only relieved by observing proper body mechanics and proper posture. This is the reason why prevention is the best cure for this kind of medical condition.

What are some of the symptoms that one can experience from having a pinched nerve in the back? Most complaints are of local and/or radiating pain. If the pinched nerve is located in the back area the patient may experience severe pain on the location of the herniation, which may radiate throughout the whole back area. Loss of bladder or bowel control is another possible symptom. Symptoms like these demand immediate medical attention. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is best that you seek medical help the soonest possible time.