January 22, 2018 Many people suffer from ‘pins and needles’ if they sit or stand too long in the same position. Like a jolt of electricity, the feeling can shot down your legs and into your feet, making it difficult to concentrate or get a good night’s sleep. In some cases, these sensations affect your arms and down into your hands and fingers, making it hard to grip objects such as a pen or coffee cup. At Spine & Orthopedic Specialists Tulsa, we regularly treat patients who exhibit these symptoms. In many cases, the problem lies within the nerves throughout the body, which can become pinched, causing numbness, pain, and discomfort. Causes and Symptoms of Pinched Nerves Pinched nerves generally result from too much pressure being applied by the surrounding tissues. The Mayo Clinic states the bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons can all end up disrupting the nerve’s function, compressing it and causing pain. Accidental injuries, overuse or performing repetitive tasks, bone spurs, and conditions such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis can all cause pinched nerves. Pregnant women, people who are overweight, and those suffering from diabetes or are on prolonged bed rest are all at increased risk. Symptoms of a pinched nerve may include any of the following: Tingling and numbness; The feeling of pins and needles or that a body part has ‘fallen asleep’; Decreased sensation in the affected area; A sharp, aching, or burning pain, which often radiates outward. Diagnosis and Treatment for Pinched Nerves At Spine & Orthopedic Specialists Tulsa, our doctors can use electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and high-resolution ultrasound to diagnose the location and causes of pinched nerves. Treatment options often include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and the use of a splint. In some cases, surgery may be required to alleviate the pressure from the nerve. While you are undergoing treatment, there are steps you can take at home and at work to help minimize your discomfort. Healthline offering the following tips: Change your posture, If you have a problem slumping or tend to rest your weight on one side, practice keeping your shoulders back, your tummy tucked in, and your feet evenly spaced apart. Try a standing workstation, rather than sitting for eight hours straight at a desk. Avoid any strenuous activities, such as bending, lifting, or straining to reach objects, which may aggravate the nerve and increase your pain. Do gentle, stretching exercises recommended by your doctor, Alternate using heat and ice packs at brief intervals on the affected area. For pinched nerves in your lower back, try elevating your feet, keeping a 90-degree angle at your hips and knees. Make an Appointment at Spine & Orthopedic Specialists Tulsa Today You do not have to live with the pain and discomfort that occurs as the result of a pinched nerve. To explore the treatment options that can provide you with relief, contact our medical team at Spine & Orthopedic Specialists Tulsa and request an appointment at our Tulsa or Claremore office today.