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Nerve Compression
Nerve compression can be caused by several different back problems. The 2 most common direct causes of a
pinched spinal nerve
are herniated discs and bone spurs.

A herniated disc
can bulge against the foraminal opening in the vertebrae, through which the nerves pass out of the spine. This can cause compression of the ultra sensitive nerve tissue in rare instances. The disc material is pushing from one direction, trapping the nerve against the hard surface of the
vertebrae.
This variety of nerve impingement process is called
foraminal stenosis.
It is also possible for the disc to bulge directly into the spinal canal, compressing many spinal nerves before they even leave the spine. This type of compressed nerve scenario is referred to as
spinal stenosis.
Osteoarthritis
can cause bone spurs, which are an occasional cause of pinched nerves. Aging causes changes in our vertebrae which can lead to
bone spur
formation in and around the intervertebral foramen. This is the area that spinal nerves leave the spine. Sometimes these bone spurs can trap and compress a spinal nerve, causing symptoms. This type of pinched nerve can be a long term problem or might resolve itself completely without any treatment at all. This condition is also commonly
misdiagnosed
as the actual cause of pain, since bone spur formation is a normal part of the aging process for most patients.
Spondylolisthesis
can also cause pinched nerve symptoms. Sometimes the shifted vertebra can move so far forward that it will actually push against a spinal nerve root. In this case, the pinched nerve is a side effect of the spondylolisthesis and not a condition unto itself. Treatment must focus on the vertebral shifting in order to be effective.
Piriformis syndrome
is not compression of a nerve in the spine. It is the pinching of the
sciatic nerve
as that nerve passes under the
piriformis muscle
in the buttocks.
Contributing Factors to Nerve Compression
Degenerative disc disease
may lead to spinal nerve compression as discs dehydrate, shrink and lose their protective mechanisms. This loss of height can cause the disc to bulge towards the spinal canal, impinging on a spinal nerve.
Muscle strains and sprains
might also cause a muscle to spasm and compress a nerve against a bone. Severe muscle injuries can tighten the muscle sufficiently to cause
compressed nerve
symptoms in any area of the back.
Severe Lordosis
can contribute to pinched nerve symptoms when the curvature places pressure on the spinal nerves.
Severe Kyphosis
can also contribute to pinched nerve symptoms when the curvature places pressure on the spinal nerves.
Facet Syndrome
can cause nerve compression and pain. Bone spurs can build up around the spinal facet joints, causing neurological problems.
Nerve Compression to Back Pain Home
5/30/06 Revised 10/23/09

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