Pinched Nerves Specialist
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Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates
Alim M Ladha, MD
Neurosurgeon & Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon located in Midland and Odessa, TX
Aching, burning, tingling, or numbness are common symptoms of a pinched nerve. Though you can develop a pinched nerve anywhere on your body, pinched nerves in the spine are a common cause of neck and back pain. At Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates in Odessa, Texas, Alim Ladha, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating spinal pinched nerves. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Pinched Nerve Q & A
What is a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when tissue that surrounds a nerve compresses it. The compression disrupts nerve function, causing various symptoms.
Pinched nerves most often originate in the spine and may occur in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. A herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis are some of the spinal conditions that cause a pinched nerve.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
Symptoms of a pinched nerve vary and depend on the location of the affected nerve. Radiculopathy is the term that describes symptoms caused by a spinal pinched nerve, which includes:
Lumbar radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy is a pinched nerve in your lumbar spine, or lower back. Low back pain and pain that radiates into your buttocks and legs are common symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy.
Lumbar radiculopathy may cause sciatica.
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a pinched nerve in the cervical spine, or neck. Symptoms usually radiate into the head, arms, or upper back.
Thoracic radiculopathy
A pinched nerve in the thoracic spine may cause symptoms that radiate around the midsection of your body.
What happens during a pinched nerve evaluation?
Dr. Ladha conducts a comprehensive exam when you come in with concerns about a pinched nerve in your spine. He assesses your whole health, including the entire spine.
Dr. Ladha reviews your symptoms, prior treatments, and medical history. He examines your spine and runs diagnostic tests to pinpoint the location of your pinched nerve. Testing may include X-rays, MRI, CT scan, or nerve conduction studies.
How is a pinched nerve treated?
Treatment for a spinal pinched nerve depends on the location and cause of the compression. Initial treatments focus on medical interventions such as medication, physical therapy, and epidural injections.
When medical treatments fail to ease your symptoms, Dr. Ladha may talk to you about spine surgery. Dr. Ladha is an experienced and skilled neurosurgeon and uses advanced minimally invasive tools and techniques when performing spine surgery.
The specifics of your surgery depend on the location and cause of your pinched nerve. Dr. Ladha’s surgery focuses on eliminating the pressure on the nerve to reduce symptoms and prevent permanent nerve damage.
Schedule a spine surgery consultation for your pinched nerve by calling Basin Neurosurgical and Spine Associates or booking an appointment online today.
