TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Pinched nerve or HNP (hernia nucleus pulposus) is a condition in which soft, gelatinous inter-spinal cushions protrude, pressing on surrounding nerves. Generally, HNP occurs on the lower back and neck.
A pinched nerve complication that can occur is cauda equina syndrome. Symptoms include weakness in both legs, unable to feel touch, and unable to hold or control bowel movements. There are several factors that can be the cause nerve pinched or HNP, in between.
–Age factor
As you age, the vertebral discs (the connections between the bones) become inflexible and tear easily.
–Genetic factor
–Injury to the spine
– Do it often activities that strain the spine, for example lifting heavy weights.
–Overweight
This causes the load on the spine to increase.
Symptoms pinched nerve or HNP is the most common is pain. Mild cases of HNP often cause no symptoms but there can also be severe pain symptoms. Pinched nerves or HNPs most commonly occur in the lower back and neck. Symptoms will appear at the site of the pinched nerve or HNP, for example HNP that occurs in the lower back, will cause symptoms of low back pain.
Pinched nerves or HNP can be detected through a medical interview, physical examination, and investigations. Physical examination which is to assess reflexes, muscle strength (motor), ability to walk, and sensory function. To support the diagnosis, doctors will usually recommend radiological examinations, in the form of:
X-ray
Cannot detect HNP but can rule out other possible causes of back pain, such as infection, spinal deformities or damage, and spinal position.
Scan CT
Can assess the condition of the spine from various directions as well as assess the soft tissue bone structure.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
It is the best investigation in detecting HNP and assessing which part of the nerve is affected.
Myelogram
This is done by injecting contrast (material to clarify radiographic examinations) into the spinal fluid located in the spine, then an X-ray will be performed. This test can show pressure on the spine or nerves due to HNP or other causes.
The treatment of pinched nerves or HNP is divided into three, such as:
Drugs
Painkillers, if the degree of pain is still mild, you can buy over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen.
-Opioid, if the degree of pain is severe, the doctor will usually give an opioid anti-pain medication. Side effects that can appear include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. This medicine can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription and must be under the supervision of a doctor.
-Nerve pain reliever, this drug is the second drug that is routinely given to HNP sufferers after pain relief. For example amitriptyline and gabapentin.
Muscle relaxants, these drugs are given to reduce muscle tension or stiffness.
– Steroid injection, this drug is injected into the affected part of the nerve as an anti-inflammatory drug.
-Physiotherapy
Several types of pinched nerve therapy that can be done, namely: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Uses electrical energy to stimulate the nervous system through the surface of the skin for pain relief.
-Traction
Using objects of a certain weight to deal with damage or disorders to bones and muscles.
-Use a corset or brace
-Operation
A pinched nerve surgery is performed to reduce pressure on the nerve. The indication is that there is no change after six weeks of drug therapy and physiotherapy. Symptoms appear in the form of weakness in certain body parts, sensory disturbances, difficulty moving, unable to control urination or defecation.
The following are the symptoms of a pinched nerve:
Pain
If HNP occurs in the lower back, back pain symptoms will appear that can radiate to the buttocks to the thighs, calves, and feet. If HNP occurs in the neck, the symptoms are pain in the neck that radiates to the shoulder or arm. Pain usually increases if you cough, sneeze, or change position.
Tingling sensation
HNP sufferers usually complain of tingling in the affected body part.
Weak
The muscle in the pinched nerve will usually weaken. As a result, HNP sufferers will find it increasingly difficult to lift weights or even grasp.
Also read: Pinched nerve pain can be in the neck and tailbone, these are the symptoms
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