A pinched nerve may occur anywhere in the body and is caused by pressure or damage from surrounding bone, tissue or muscle. A pinched nerve may be caused by injury, disease such as osteoarthritis or jobs that require repetitive movements. The result of a pinched nerve is pain, weakness or numbness. Pinched nerves are treated with rest and medications and symptoms normally leave within two to three weeks. Your doctor diagnoses and locates your pinched nerve.
Instructions
1. See your doctor when experiencing pain in your lower back and weakness or numbness going down one or both legs. Your doctor discusses your pain and looks at your medical history.
2. Your doctor orders X-rays of the areas he suspects may have a pinched nerve. X-rays may be taken at your doctor's office or a hospital. Your doctor views the results of the X-rays.
3. An MRI or CT scan may be ordered by your doctor to see a more detailed image of the compressed or pinched nerve. These scans may be administered at the hospital or at a clinic that provides these types of scans.
4. Your doctor may ask you to undergo a nerve conduction study. Electrodes are placed on the skin of the painful area and small electrical charges are released. The results of the test determine if a nerve is pinched or damaged.
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