The pain between the shoulder blades is dizziness. Pinched nerve fibers: classification. Pinched nerve - causes of neuralgia

People after forty years are wary of sudden movements, fearing not to pinch the nerve in the back. What to do when there was a sharp pain? How to quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms?

The concept of pinched spinal nerve

A pinched nerve on the back is called radiculopathy (or radiculitis). The pathological condition is a neurological syndrome that occurs as a result of a sudden compression of the nerve root.

Radiculopathy is divided into types that are distinguished by the location of the lesion:

  • cervical - occurs with compression of the nerve roots of the cervical spine;
  • cervicobrachial - compression of the nerve of the upper third of the thoracic vertebrae;
  • thoracic - compression of the nerve root of the scapular region;
  • lumbosacral form - a nerve lesion of the lumbar or sacral region.

Compression of the nerve occurs with spasm of the back muscle or as a result of compression of the nerve root by a displaced intervertebral disc.

Causes

It used to be that pinched the spinal nerve only threatens the elderly. However, now more and more people after forty years are susceptible to radiculopathy. The main reason for this is a decrease in physical activity.

According to statistics, most cases of pinching of the roots of nerve endings were noted with exacerbation of osteochondrosis. Chronic inflammation and degenerative changes of the vertebrae lead to narrowing of the holes from which the spinal roots come out. Muscle spasms exacerbate symptoms.

With a decrease in physical activity, the muscular framework supporting the spine weakens. Subsequently, he is not able to hold the intervertebral discs. When intervertebral discs mix, a muscle spasm occurs in which the nerve in the back gets pinched.

Other common causes of radiculopathy are:

Less common factors leading to pinching of the nerve root include:

  • congenital changes in the spine;
  • overweight;
  • infections
  • inflammatory diseases;
  • disorders of hormonal homeostasis;
  • chemical poisoning.

An important role in pinching the spinal nerve is played by a genetic predisposition. The tendency to degenerative diseases and the weakness of the muscular skeleton are inherited. Most often, a hereditary predisposition manifests itself in women. For men, acquired causes of radicular lesions are more characteristic.

Symptoms of the disease

In 95% of cases, pinched nerves occur suddenly. In the affected area, acute pain appears that interferes with active movements. Other symptoms directly depend on the location of the lesion. Pain has the following characteristics:

  • stitching;
  • cutting;
  • spicy;
  • paroxysmal;
  • with irradiation along the nerve fiber.

A person with a pinched nerve of the back is covered with cold sweat. He feels emotional and physical strain. At the pinch point, redness, swelling, and local muscle spasm are observed.

With prolonged pinching below the lesion site, atrophy of the nerve fiber is noted. Severe cases of compression of the cervical or sciatic nerve lead to impaired sensitivity and paralysis of the limbs.

When the pectoral nerve is affected, intercostal neuralgia occurs. Symptoms are very similar to cardiac pathology. However, a distinctive feature is the constant nature of the pain, which does not change after rest.

The consequences of nerve fiber compression

If the nerve in the back is pinched, and the symptoms last for a long time, then this can lead to a malfunction of the internal organs. A spasm of nerve fibers and blood vessels entails a violation of oxygen delivery to internal organs and regulation of nerve conduction. Deteriorating work of the heart, brain, abdominal organs.

When the pinched nerve in the back lasts a long time, this can lead to the death of nerve tissue. The sensitivity of the organs for which the pinched nerve is responsible is impaired. Partially or completely, motor activity may be impaired. Inflammation of the nerve root exacerbates muscle spasm and enhances pain.

Diagnostics

Having noticed the first signs of a pinched nerve on your back, you should immediately contact a neurologist. The first examination in patients with back pain who come in is an X-ray diagnosis. The method eliminates the pathology of the intervertebral discs and bone processes.

If the x-ray image did not clarify the situation, then resort to CT and MRI. Such diagnostics make it possible to determine the condition of the vertebrae and vertebral openings due to the layered visualization of tissues. First of all, techniques identify tumors and hernias of the spine.

Using electromyography, nerve conduction is examined. The method diagnoses damage to the nerve fiber. And also electromyography determines the degree of damage to the spinal root.

What to do with radiculopathy

Each person, having felt sharp pains in his back, asks himself a question: what to do if his back is pinched? In order not to harm yourself, you must have the necessary skills. Surely, if the nerve on the back is pinched, then you need to do exercises that help relieve muscle spasm.

With the manifestation of sharp back pain, it is necessary to take a lying position on the floor. To relieve pain, you need to keep the legs in relation to the body at a right angle. To do this, lie on your back, and raise your legs on a stool. If you maintain this position for several minutes, the pain is weakened.

After stopping the pain, there is a problem to rise so as not to provoke a new pain attack. Therefore, the rise should be slow. The man first turns to one side. Then he gets on all fours. From the knee-elbow position, the patient neatly stands on his feet.

Sharp movements must be avoided. Independently or with outside help you need to fix the back. If there is no special belt at hand, then a scarf or towel is suitable for fixing.

Regardless of whether the pain syndrome is stopped or not, you must immediately consult a doctor. A pinched nerve can be a sign of a serious illness.

Acute pain should be the reason for calling an ambulance. Prior to the arrival of a specialist, you must try to observe a gentle motor regime. Sharp movements provoke a new attack of pain.


Treatment methods

Radiculopathy treatment is prescribed only by a doctor after establishing the exact cause of the pathological condition. Therapy should be comprehensive. It has four directions:

  • anesthesia;
  • relief of inflammation;
  • elimination of the root cause of pinching;
  • rehabilitation.

No need to self-medicate. Pinched nerve of the back can have irreversible consequences associated with disruption of the organs.

Conservative treatment and physiotherapy prescribed by a neuropathologist will forever help to forget about the problem. Alternative therapy is used only with traditional treatment.

Drug therapy

The goal of medication is to eliminate pain and inflammation. Drugs from pinched nerves are taken in the form of injections, tablets, ointments and rectal suppositories.

First-line drugs used for pinched nerves are:

However, people suffering from pinching of the nerve of the back in the home medicine cabinet have ointment. When the first symptoms occur, the ointment is applied to the affected area. A good therapeutic effect, allowing you to quickly stop the symptoms, have:

  • vyprosal;
  • finalgon;
  • betalgon;
  • flexene;
  • carmolis.

Ointments have a warming effect, improve capillary circulation and quickly relieve pain. A pronounced relaxing effect eliminates muscle spasm, which compresses the nerve root. Metabolic processes are accelerated, nerve fiber nutrition is normalized.

Physiotherapy for pinching

Physiotherapy is prescribed by a doctor after eliminating an acute attack of pain. It is aimed at enhancing drug treatment. Physiotherapy is an integral part of rehabilitation.

The following methods exist:

  • applications with paraffin to the affected area;
  • magnetotherapy on the area of \u200b\u200bpinching;
  • electrophoresis with medication;
  • phonophoresis with the use of drugs;
  • UHF therapy.

Physiotherapy relieves swelling and muscle spasm, improves blood flow. Improving metabolic processes and lymph drainage accelerates recovery.

Manual treatment

Treatment with a chiropractor is a combination of manual techniques that are aimed at eliminating pathological conditions associated with impaired spinal column function. Unprofessional therapy can have serious consequences.

A chiropractor, unlike a masseur, works with deep muscles and the spine. The doctor has a variety of techniques to relax the muscles and eliminate the defect. As a result of its actions, the nerve is freed from compression, its nutrition is restored. Over time, the nerve fiber completely restores its structure.

Manual therapy is a practically painless procedure that has a good therapeutic effect. It is prescribed after examination and clarification of the diagnosis.

Physiotherapy

Motor activity should be moderate and not bring discomfort. Exercise should only be performed when you are feeling well. During the performance of the sports complex, special attention should be paid to posture. Curvature of posture entails an increase in the load on a separate section of the spine.

When choosing exercises, you need to choose a direction that strengthens the muscles and spares the joints. For example, swimming and walking have minimal impact on joints and tendons. Training evenly strengthens all muscle groups.

Surgical treatment

The operation is prescribed by a doctor only in advanced cases. With the help of surgical treatment, the root cause of compression of the nerve of the back is eliminated. Surgical treatment is performed by a neurosurgeon.

Indications for surgery are:

The operation eliminates nerve compression by partially removing the surrounding tissue. Relapses after surgical treatment are quite rare.

Alternative methods of treatment

Folk remedies   are not an independent treatment. It is applicable only as a supplement. Before starting the procedure, you need to discuss them with your doctor.

A compress of rye flour and black radish has a warming effect. The compress is applied to the affected area for 15 minutes. As a result of treatment, blood circulation is accelerated, and metabolism is also improved.

A compress from beeswax has a relaxing effect. To do this, melt the wax. Then a soft substrate is applied to the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe spine. The affected area is covered with gauze and wrapped in cellophane. The procedure should be carried out daily at bedtime for a week.

One of the popular folk medicine is turpentine. To make a compress, mix three tablespoons of water and two tablespoons of turpentine. A piece of bread is soaked in the resulting solution and applied to the sore spot. Compress can not be held for more than 15 minutes. If the procedure causes physical discomfort, you must immediately stop the procedure.

The recovery period of a pinched nerve in the back takes from several weeks to several months. For complete rehabilitation, patience and the implementation of all the doctor's recommendations will be required. Healthy lifestyle and moderate physical exercise   will be an effective prevention of radiculopathy.

Pain under the shoulder blade can be caused by many causes. Despite the fact that in most cases the pain goes away on its own, there are a number of effective exercises that help to cope with the pain under the scapula at home. Any pain that does not respond to home treatment is an indication for seeking medical help.

The shoulder blade (lat. Scapula) is a flat bone of a triangular shape. It is called a "shovel" for the reason that in shape it really resembles a shovel. Pain in the scapular region is quite common and is usually associated with physical activity. Understanding the wide variety of causes of pain under the shoulder blade can help you choose the right treatment, as well as determine if a disease that requires qualified medical attention is hidden behind it.

Causes of pain under the scapula

Below are the main causes of pain under the scapula. It should be borne in mind that sporadically arising pain under the shoulder blade is quite common and usually disappears on its own within 1-2 days. However, if the pain persists, then this may be a sign of something more serious.

Shoulder strain

Almost everyone has ever encountered this problem. Excessive energy of the muscles or inadequate exercise can lead to their stretching, accompanied by pain. Pain with stretching of the shoulder muscles can be observed in the area of \u200b\u200bthe scapula. Activities that involve repeating the same movement, such as tennis or golf, can lead to pain symptoms under the shoulder blade.

Pinched nerve

If you suffer from shoulder pain that radiates to your arm, then it may be due to nerve damage. A damaged or pinched nerve can cause intense pain under the scapula. You may also feel a burning sensation in the fingers, hands and arms. This type of pain usually lasts for weeks and months and does not disappear on its own.

The nerve can be pinched for many reasons, but most often it is associated with an intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine. Our spine consists of bones (vertebrae), between which are located the intervertebral discs that perform the function of shock absorbers. Each vertebra has a hole. Superimposed on each other, the vertebrae form a tunnel in which the spinal cord is located. Nerves depart from the spinal cord.

An intervertebral hernia appears if the outer fibrous membrane of the intervertebral disc is torn, which allows the gel-like contents to come out. An intervertebral hernia can squeeze a nearby nerve root extending from the spinal cord. With intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine, this leads to pain in the shoulder, arm, hand, fingers, under the shoulder blade. The pain can be combined with periodically occurring tingling sensations, a burning sensation, numbness. In some cases, there is a decrease in muscle strength. A characteristic symptom is frequent headaches.

Sleep in an uncomfortable position

Have you ever woken up with an inexplicable shoulder pain? Her reason could well be an uncomfortable posture. Sleeping on one side for a long time or an unusual tilt of the head can also lead to this problem.

Scapular fracture

Often as a result of an accident or sports injury, a fracture of the shoulder blade is a serious problem, which is accompanied by intense pain, which intensifies during movement. The scapular region may be swollen or pale.

Shingles

Shingles is a condition caused by the chickenpox virus. Shingles can occur many years after you have chickenpox, and cause pain and discomfort throughout the body. The initial symptom of herpes zoster is acute pain in the scapular region, usually on the right side. Then a rash appears, which may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, headaches and fever.

Osteoarthritis

The main symptom of ostearthritis is soreness and sensitivity of the joints. Thinning of the cartilage that separates one bone from another can lead to pain. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder girdle is quite rare, but can be the cause of chronic pain in the scapular region.

Damage to the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint

Rotator cuff damage shoulder joint   - A frequent injury among athletes in which one or more of the muscles that make up the rotator cuff, the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulder girdle, is damaged. Injury leads to pain in the scapular region.

Myofascial pain

If the pain you feel is localized under the right scapula, then it may be myofascial pain. This means that the pain is caused by a problem with the tissues that cover the muscles. Since the pain is often reflected, which means that it is caused by a problem with some other organ, it is often difficult to determine the source of the pain.

Diagnosis of pain under the scapula

In most cases, the pain under the scapula disappears after a few days, but if it does not go away, your doctor may recommend conducting various tests, including MRI and other radiological tests, in order to find out what is associated with constant pain. If pain under the shoulder blade is associated with at least one of the symptoms cervical osteochondrosis   (tension headache, dizziness, jumps in blood pressure, neck pain, arm pain, shoulder pain), it is first necessary to do an MRI of the cervical spine to exclude hernias and protrusions of the intervertebral disc.

Scapular pain treatment

Depending on the reason, you can either be offered to undergo a course of medical procedures, or give recommendations with which you can reduce pain symptoms at home.

  • Give your muscles a break

    • Sometimes all you need to do is set aside some rest so that the damaged area can rest. If your pain is caused by repeated movements or muscle damage, just let them rest. To relieve pain, you can also use heat or cold, depending on the doctor's recommendations.

  • Try to keep track of your body position.

    • Improper body position can lead to severe pain. If you experience pain, try to stretch as far as possible, and see if this pose brings relief. The same applies to the correct posture during sleep. Using a pillow, try to lie down so that your head and shoulders are flat. Try to sleep on your back, if the sleep on your side, as you think, enhances the pain symptoms.

  • Use a complex of physiotherapy exercises

    • Relief physical pain at home will also help. If the doctor has prescribed you exercise therapy, do not neglect his advice, as such exercises will help you to get rid of pain symptoms yourself.

Do not abuse anti-inflammatory drugs. This can cause stomach ulcers and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In the event that the cause of pain under the scapula was a fracture or pinching of the nerve, then you will need a more serious treatment.

In the treatment of pinching of the nerve root associated with the presence of protrusion or intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine, a whole range of procedures is necessary.

With intervertebral hernias of the cervical spine, methods such as:

  • physiotherapy exercises, including special exercises aimed at improving the spine;
  • spinal traction, which allows to increase the distance between the vertebrae, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve root;
  • various massage techniques, both manual and with the use of cans, hard rubber rolls, etc.
  • other techniques aimed at increasing the elasticity of the spine;
  • reflexology, acupuncture, etc.

Alarming signs suggesting a large hernia of the cervical spine are:

  • dizziness and nausea;
  • numbness of the shoulders, arms, fingers;
  • muscle weakness and a decrease in arm volume due to muscle atrophy;
  • jumps in blood pressure or a persistent increase in blood pressure.

If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you need to contact a neurologist to make a diagnosis and immediately start treatment. But even if you are concerned about periodic or constant pain in the shoulder or arm, tingling and headaches, then you need to make an appointment for a consultation and conduct the necessary examinations.



Pinched nerve is an unpleasant and unbearable pain syndrome. This is a dangerous phenomenon that can lead to neuropathy, partial paralysis and other serious diseases. When a person has a nerve pinched in his back, he becomes partially disabled. You should not try to endure pain or treat them in unverified ways. Medical assistance should be provided immediately. The back is the place where the consequences of ignoring can be irreversible.

Such a violation, which occurs as a result of systemic or traumatic displacements, is called "pinched nerve in the spine." It is dangerous in that it can lead to serious malfunctions of the nervous and circulatory systems of the body. Causes of pinching can be:

  • osteochondrosis;
  • hernia;
  • oncological diseases;
  • endocrinological disorders;
  • any chronic diseases;
  • congenital malformations;
  • overweight;
  • hypothermia and colds;
  • spinal injuries;
  • elderly age.

In young people, as a result of a long uncomfortable position (in a dream, in transport, at work), pinching of a nerve in the spine occurs quite often, especially in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Pinched nerve of the back can occur in any person, but most often, it occurs in those who are over 30 years old. Therefore, thinking about health should begin in youth.

Symptoms and signs

The main symptom of pinching is pain. When pinching, the pain is often piercing, occurring between the shoulder blades, girdles, burning. Often it appears along the nerve or in the place where it is injured.

Weakness in the hands, painful turns and tilts of the head are a sign of nerve infringement in cervical   the spine. Along with this, tinnitus, headache and dizziness may appear. This is due to a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain.

Pinching in the thoracic region is accompanied by pain in breathing, coughing. Pain can be given to the shoulder blade, to the shoulder, or to the area of \u200b\u200bthe liver and pancreas. At the same time, swelling of the skin, numbness and redness occur.

A characteristic feature in the lumbar region is the transfer of pain from the lower back to the buttocks and hips, as well as weakness in the legs. Often there is discomfort in the lower back, acute pain in the buttocks, impaired leg mobility, numbness and goosebumps.

In 90% of cases, pinched spinal nerve in this section is due to osteochondrosis. The largest is the sciatic nerve.

Pain is sometimes accompanied by uncharacteristic symptoms associated with individual pathologies, or systemic disorders. A pinched nerve in the back, the symptoms of which are considered to be exclusively painful, can also manifest itself in the form of other symptoms, for example, it can be a spasm. Symptoms of the presence of a pinched nerve in the spine are largely determined by the location of the lesion, that is, in which part of the spine the failure occurred.

Long-term assistance when pinching a nerve or pain between the shoulder blades, self-medication and the help of traditional healers sometimes leads to the fact that the lesions become irreversible and affect the quality of human life.

Possible consequences

It is very difficult to predict the consequences of a disease such as pinching in the spinal nerve. Many patients regard this as episodic trouble that can be experienced with the help of analgesics and antispasmodics.


Pinched nerves are a serious phenomenon, in whatever part of the body it occurs. If any part of the spinal column has become the localization of the lesion, then untreated therapy can lead to serious consequences:

  • muscle spasms;
  • intervertebral hernia;
  • loss of limb functionality;
  • dysfunctions of internal organs;
  • tumors;
  • disruption of the circulatory system;
  • blood pressure malfunctions.

In men, a pinched nerve in the lower back can lead to diseases of the genitourinary system, in women, to hormonal failures or problems of a gynecological nature. You should not treat such pain irresponsibly.

The disease can be the result of various pathological disorders, under the scapula - some, in the lower back - others, on the back - third. A thorough diagnosis begins with an external examination of the patient's body. When a nerve is pinched in the back, this can give an idea of \u200b\u200bthe location of localization. At the site of the lesion, redness, swelling of the tissues is often observed, a noticeable deformation of the vertebra is noted and when felt, all this causes sharp pain.


Be sure to conduct x-rays, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the back, and vertebrae. Only after the examination is it possible to determine the location of the lesion, the presence or absence of pathological changes, and also to say what kind of treatment will be required. The set of measures sometimes significantly differs from the generally accepted one if systemic disorders become the cause of lower back pain, or between the shoulder blades.

Therapy during pinched spinal nerve can be divided into several stages. At the first, pain is relieved with the help of medications in the form of injections or tablets, bed rest and diet are prescribed. The second relieves inflammation with non-steroidal drugs in the form of gels, tablets or injections. In the third, the functioning of muscles and limbs is restored with the help of vitamins, physiotherapy and other techniques.

Most methods of treating pinched nerve can be used only during the period when the pain syndrome is eliminated. Otherwise, they will only do harm.

With medication

A specialist doctor should decide what to do if a nerve suddenly pinched in the back or pain appeared between the shoulder blades. Only painkillers can be taken on their own. Drug treatment is prescribed individually, depending on many factors - the patient's age, location and stage of the disease.


If there are no diseases associated with chronic or systemic disorders and is not caused by trauma, which may require surgical intervention, conservative treatment is carried out using painkillers.

If the cause is muscle spasm, midocal is prescribed. With osteochondrosis or a tumor, the group of drugs used will be different. What exactly to treat pinching in this case should be decided by the doctor.

Massage and exercise therapy

In the acute stage of pinching, massage is contraindicated. It can only be carried out by a specialist at a time when the disease is out of exacerbation. Treatment should be prolonged (long). It will take 10 to 15 sessions. Causes of pinching and location are taken into account. Extreme care should be taken with the so-called manual therapists. Trust the spine only by qualified specialists who know how to treat pinching.

Physiotherapy exercises (LFK) for various types of pinching in an acute form is also not recommended. In the period after the disappearance pain syndrome, you should perform a set of special exercises. In this case, the technique of movements is different and depends on the location of pinching. Other methods for treatment include acupuncture, ozone therapy and electrophoresis.

Many patients, when they have a nerve pinched in their back, decide at the same time to recklessly, they are afraid of the advice of the doctor and his subsequent actions.

Alternative methods are useless if the spinal column is damaged as a result of an injury. The use of infusions and the use of home-made ointments will not remove the intervertebral tumor segment. Herbal baths, especially hot ones, can only hurt if a nerve is pinched as a result of a traumatic displacement of the disc.

Cold and hot compresses can help relieve pain between the shoulder blades. They improve blood flow. An excellent option is the alternation of cold and hot compresses.

A good specialist can also advise you to use proven tools as soon as you make sure that there is no intervertebral osteochondrosis. Folk remedies can be used as prescribed by the doctor, in this case, the therapy is carried out at home.


Prevention

A nerve whose inflammation can cause serious complications does not get pinched for no reason. To avoid the recurrence of such situations, prophylaxis should be carried out.

In general terms, this should be maintaining a healthy lifestyle, timely treatment of chronic diseases, a possible change of work. You also need to regularly engage in light physical exercises, swim in the pool, spend a lot of time in the fresh air. It will be useful to control posture, eat right and choose orthopedic shoes and mattresses.

Hard physical labor without proper rest causes various complications. Because of it, pinching of the nerve under the scapula, in the lower back and other parts of the spine can occur. Basically, pain occurs rather unexpectedly. It is for this reason that any person who is constantly exposed to great physical exertion should know what to do if a nerve in his back is pinched.

In such a situation, it is urgent to visit the hospital, so that experienced doctors localize the focus of pain, diagnose and prescribe treatment. If there is no way to go to the clinic, then you should find out what you need to do at home to alleviate the condition. Regardless of the results of treatment, you still have to visit the clinic to make sure that everything is in order with your back.

Experts believe that the main cause of the problem is the development of osteochondrosis.   In people suffering from this complex of disorders, at the slightest exertion in the articular cartilage, nerve infringement occurs. In such a situation, it is necessary to eliminate the underlying disease. There are other reasons for this pathological process, namely:

  • Genetic predisposition. Features of the human structure are inherited. If mom or dad constantly had a pinched nerve under the left shoulder blade, then there is a chance that the child will have the same problem;
  • Pregnancy. For this reason, you can add extra weight. Due to the fact that the load on the back has become higher than permissible, nerves begin to pinch. During pregnancy, the spine becomes completely more sensitive to weight. Due to any overload, pinched nerves occur both under the shoulder blades on the right and left, and along the entire length of the back;
  • Improper posture. You need to keep your back correctly, because if a person is hunched over, then the chances that a nerve infringement will occur increase;
  • Pathological growths on the vertebrae. They arise due to various diseases or due to injury. The growths are usually located in the place where the nerves pass and with a sharp movement they are squeezed;
  • Doing sports. If movements are performed incorrectly, for example, turning too abruptly, then nerve endings can be transmitted;
  • Rheumatoid arthritis. This pathological process is characterized by inflammation of the joints. In the area where it usually occurred and pinching occurs.

Symptoms of Pinched

You need to do something with your back after identifying the symptoms. The main signs include sharp pain, which greatly constrain movement. For example, if a nerve pinched under the scapula, it is difficult to turn the torso and move the upper limbs.

The signs of the pathological process for convenience are divided into 3 departments, namely:

  • Lumbar. Problems in this section arise from inflammation of the sciatic nerve. When it is pinched, the patient suddenly has a burning sensation and strong tingling sensation. Often, these symptoms are given to the lower extremity and difficulties begin when moving. Inflammation in this nerve usually indicates the onset of radiculitis, which is characterized by shooting pain;
  • Cervical. Injury of the nerve in this part of the back is accompanied by a strong tension of the muscle tissue at the site of damage. In this case, the patient has weakness in the neck and the left half of the chest hurts, as with angina pectoris. Pain can also be felt in the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulder blades, collarbone and on the back of the head. Symptoms intensify when you try to turn your head, and pinching occurs mainly due to osteochondrosis or protrusion of a nerve;
  • Thoracic. In this situation, there is a pinched nerve under the right scapula or left, as well as in other areas of this department. The patient develops symptoms of intercostal neuralgia. Symptoms that are characteristic of this pathology do not go away even during rest. Unpleasant sensations are amplified if you try to feel the space between the ribs or while moving the torso.

First aid at home


You can understand what to do if you have a problem with your back, focusing on such tips:

  • Eliminate the load from the spine. To do this, lie down on the bed, but if the pain attack is sharp enough, you can use the floor together. If the problem concerns the lumbar region, then eliminating the pain is extremely problematic. To do this, it is recommended to form a right angle between the legs and the torso, that is, lying on the bed, throw the lower limbs back onto the wall;
  • If everything is done correctly, then the pain will pass over time, but a new task will appear and it consists in rising from this position. It is not difficult to do this, but most often the pain attack returns. In order to get up correctly, you need to roll over to one side and stretch your hands towards an object that you can lean on, thereby reducing the load from the back. If there is nothing at hand, then you need to get on all fours and in this position move to the nearest fulcrum. The basic rule in this situation is to try not to move your back, and lift yourself carefully, without straining your spine. Having risen to your feet, you need to find something to fix your back. An ideal option is a special belt, but if it is missing, then a long towel or a blanket wrapped in several layers will come in handy. It should be fixed not only the area with a pinched nerve, but also the area next to it;
  • If the pain attack is persistent and strong enough, then painkillers should be taken. Among them, it is desirable to choose drugs with an anti-inflammatory property like Diclofenac. After fixing the back and taking pills, you need to observe bed rest for several days. At this time, you need to completely relax the spine and try to prevent even the slightest drafts.

If the problem concerns pregnant women or girls during lactation (breastfeeding), then they will have to choose painkillers more carefully. This is done in order to prevent complications in the child.

Course of therapy


You can treat your back by following the standard scheme, which is performed in stages:

  • The first step is to eliminate the pain. For this purpose, medicines in the form of tablets and injections are used. The entire course of therapy takes place in a supine position and with a strict diet. Smoked, fried and salted products should be removed from it;
  • The second step is to eliminate the inflammatory process. In such a situation, non-steroidal medicines with an anti-inflammatory effect are usually used in the form of creams, ointments, tablets and as a solution for injection. It is recommended to combine step 1 and 2 to achieve speedy results;
  • The essence of the third step is to repair the damaged nerve. Experts recommend using a physiotherapy course for this purpose, as well as therapeutic massages and acupuncture. When the inflammatory process subsides, you can begin to do therapeutic exercises and it is advisable to combine it with the intake of vitamin complexes and proper nutrition.

Drug therapy

The right choice of drugs is equally important for the treatment of a pinched nerve.   Among the medicines with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, you can choose Ibuprofen or Diclofenac, and preferably in the form of an injection to obtain the best result. Ketonal is suitable for pregnant women.

There are many varieties of ointments, for example, Karmalis eliminates pain, and Betalgon, in addition to relieving unpleasant sensations, improves blood circulation. If you need a remedy with a warming effect, then it is better to purchase Viprosal, which is also an analgesic, and Flexen is perfect for inflammation.

Alternative methods of therapy


Alternative medicine should be used only as an addition to the main course of therapy, so as not to think later what to do in case of complications. Doctors recommend using her methods at home after completing treatment. Such methods have shown themselves in the best way:

  • Among the ointments that can be done at home, a mixture of bay leaves and juniper needles has a good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. For cooking, you need to prepare 2 main ingredients and butter. Initially, you need to mix bay leaf and juniper needles in a ratio of 6 tbsp. l to 1 tbsp. l Next, you need to add melted butter in the amount of 100 g to the powder and mix well. Ready ointment should be applied to the damaged area;
  • A bath with herbal decoctions can relax muscles and reduce pain. It is necessary to draw water and it is important that its temperature is about 37 °, and then the rest of the ingredients can be added. A good result was shown by a mixture of oak and spruce bark, which must be boiled for 30 minutes in a container with 5 liters. water. The finished broth must be filtered and poured into the prepared bath, and you need to swim for at least half an hour;
  • When infringement of the nerve infusions are often used for grinding. For this purpose, you can apply wormwood inflorescence. It must be infused in 400 ml of boiling water, and then rub the damaged part of the back with the resulting product. For ingestion, it is recommended to use tansy infusion. It is necessary to take 1 tbsp. l crushed ingredient and pour it into a glass with boiling water. Then you need to wait 2-3 hours and you can take the finished drink 3-4 times a day before meals, 1 tbsp. l

Corsets for fixation

To fix the spine in one position, special corsets are perfect. They remove deformation and relieve stress from the damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe back. Corsets are divided into the following types:

  • Thoracolumbar. They are created specifically to maintain the lumbar and thoracic region, as well as the area between the shoulder blades;
  • Lumbosacral. They are created to relieve the load in the pelvic area;
  • Lumbar They serve to fix the lower back, but partially capture the pelvis and chest;
  • Corset during pregnancy. It covers the area around the lower back and shoulder blades and helps relieve pain that occurs in girls due to excessive load on the back. The corset is well suited for postpartum recovery.

People who are exposed to physical activity should find out what to do if a nerve is accidentally pinched. This situation is very painful and sometimes without help it is difficult to even move.

Pinching of the spinal nerve, as, by the way, of any other, has now become quite common. A person suffering from this ailment is significantly limited in the ability to lead a full life. It also harms disability. As a rule, pinching is accompanied by sharp and very severe pain. In this situation, a person is not able to not only straighten up, but simply move around.

What to do if a nerve is pinched

In this situation, sharp movements should be avoided first. Next, it is better to take a horizontal position. Both the sofa and the floor will do. For some time it is better to lie on your side, and only after that, with all the precautions, can you roll over onto your back.

When the pain subsides a little, it is allowed to stand very carefully. To do this is better in several steps. First, roll over to your side, then kneel down with your hands resting on the floor. The most basic goal is to keep your back in such a position that the pain is felt most weakly. This situation is also called a sparing pose.

The final vertical position must be taken with your hands on something stable. Partial weight transfer will reduce the risk of repeated pain.

Then the back must be immobilized - that is, immobilized. This can be done with a scarf, thick towel or bedspread. It should be something like a corset. If you can take advantage of outside help - do not be afraid to look ridiculous, ask for assistance. Otherwise, you need to fix the back yourself. In the future, it is best to purchase a special belt that would reliably fix the spine in the correct position and remove excess load from it.

In this situation, taking painkillers will help. Doctors recommend the following:

  • Baralgin;
  • Analgin;
  • Ketorol;

Together with them it is worth taking:

  • Ibuprofen;
  • Ortofen;
  • Diclofenac.

In combination with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will have a much stronger effect.

During the first day after being pinched, it is worth staying in bed and trying not to get exposed to drafts. Be sure to call a doctor. Failure to consult a specialist often leads to a number of complications in the future.

What reasons can contribute to pinched nerve

There are many such reasons. The main one is osteochondrosis, in which pinching is a common complication.

Cause pinching can also:

  • abnormally high back loads;
  • incorrect posture;
  • uncomfortable bed or pillow;
  • excess weight;
  • exposure to extreme cold or heat;
  • injuries
  • pregnancy.

In the event that the cause is one of the above, treatment of the acute period will not take much time. The pain can be localized very soon. However, there are other reasons that require much more time for treatment. In this case, the cause of pinching may be:

  • a problem with intervertebral discs, if there is osteochondrosis;
  • intervertebral hernia.

In this situation, a lot of time will be spent on recovery. The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary therapy. It is worth remembering - only with an integrated approach will it be possible to cope with this disease.

In no case should you rely on home treatment and ignore medical care. The specialist whom the patient needs to contact is a neurologist. He will most likely direct him to x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. Upon receiving exhaustive data, he will prescribe the most appropriate treatment, usually consisting of medications and physiotherapy.

Pinched nerve in the neck

In this case, the following symptoms will be:

  • acute pain in the cervical spine;
  • in the ears will make noise;
  • sick and dizzy;

Violation of the blood supply to the head leads to such symptoms. As a rule, some vessels are pinched along with the nerve. As a result, the brain begins to suffer from oxygen deficiency.

This will lead to other manifestations:

  • weakness;
  • profuse sweating;
  • feeling of fatigue;
  • brain performance worsens;
  • sharpness of vision also falls;
  • memory suffers;
  • coordination is broken.

Wherein pain symptoms   can be observed only in the affected area or given in the hand, under the shoulder blade, in the shoulder. There is also the possibility of swelling or redness in the place where the nerve was pinched.

Pinched chest

In this situation, the patient feels severe pain with a clear localization. When a nerve is pinched on the right side of the chest, it will be projected onto the area of \u200b\u200bthe pancreas or liver. If the nerve is damaged on the left side, then the pain radiates in the scapula or shoulder. And in this situation, swelling, loss of sensation and redness are noted.

Problems in the chest can lead to chest pain caused by sneezing, coughing and trying to take a deep breath or exhale sharply.

Lower Back Pinched

In almost all cases, problems in this part of the body are provoked by osteochondrosis. The sciatic nerve is usually to blame. In some situations, such pinching occurs during pregnancy, in later stages, or in people with abnormally high body weight. The reason here is the large load on the spine. This pathology is also called sciatica.

Signs of sciatica:

  • burning pain in the lower back, closer to the sacrum;
  • the discomfort;
  • pain in the upper quadrant of the buttock;
  • gives in leg;
  • numbness;
  • decreased leg mobility;
  • tingling sensation.

In relation to people suffering from obesity, it should be remembered that in this case the usual means will not be enough - it is imperative to contribute to weight loss. To do this, for example, a diet or exercise under the supervision of a specialist will do.

Ignoring the problem can lead to temporary paralysis, or even disability, because in severe cases a person is forced not to leave the bed. Only after many years of therapy does the ability to move independently return.

How to treat pinching

First of all, pain is removed. For this, both tablets and local preparations can be used, mainly in the form of injections. Throughout the attack, you must lie in bed and follow a diet. You can’t eat:

  • sharp;
  • oily;
  • salty;
  • smoked.

After removing the acute phase, they begin to restore muscle function. Actively applied:

  • physiotherapy;
  • vitamin preparations;
  • massage;
  • medical exercises, etc.

Sometimes, in especially advanced cases, it is not possible to do without an operation. Upon completion of therapy, the patient usually should recover in a specialized resort.

Prevention

As they say, the disease is easier to prevent than to cure. The following rules will help you avoid problems:

  • do not overload the spine;
  • when lifting weights, you need to crouch with a straight back, and not bend over;
  • drafts and cold should be avoided;
  • with osteochondrosis, every six months it is necessary to visit a specialist;
  • you need to sleep on an even bed;
  • it is worth playing sports;
  • you need to eat moderately and healthy foods;
  • quit smoking and drinking alcohol;
  • reduce stress;
  • devote a lot of time to rest.