Pinched Nerve Treatment in NJ

A pinched nerve in the spine can cause sharp pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that radiates into the arms or legs. At Awake Spinal Fusion in Edison, NJ, Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS specializes in diagnosing the exact cause of nerve compression and providing effective relief — from conservative treatments to advanced minimally invasive surgery.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve (medically called radiculopathy) occurs when a spinal nerve root is compressed or irritated where it exits the spinal column. This compression disrupts the nerve’s normal function, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of that nerve.

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere along the spine but are most common in the:

• Cervical spine (neck): Cervical radiculopathy — symptoms radiate into the shoulder, arm, and hand
• Lumbar spine (lower back): Lumbar radiculopathy — symptoms radiate into the buttock, leg, and foot (commonly called sciatica)

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

• Herniated disc: The most common cause — disc material pushes out and presses on a nerve root
• Bone spurs (osteophytes): Bony growths from arthritis that narrow the nerve opening
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve foramen
• Degenerative disc disease: Disc collapse reduces space for nerves
• Foraminal stenosis: Narrowing of the openings where nerve roots exit the spine
• Spondylolisthesis: Vertebral slippage that compresses nerve roots
• Thickened ligaments: Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Cervical Pinched Nerve (Neck)

• Neck pain that may radiate to the shoulder blade
• Sharp, shooting pain down the arm
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers
• Weakness in the arm, wrist, or hand
• Pain worsened by turning or tilting the head

Lumbar Pinched Nerve (Lower Back)

• Lower back pain radiating into the buttock and leg
• Sharp or burning leg pain (sciatica)
• Numbness in the leg, foot, or toes
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
• Weakness in the leg or foot (foot drop in severe cases)
• Pain worsened by sitting, bending, or coughing

Warning Signs — Seek Immediate Care

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Rapidly progressive weakness in the legs
• Numbness in the groin/saddle area

Diagnosis

Dr. Sharan performs a thorough evaluation to identify exactly which nerve is compressed and why:

• Neurological examination: Testing reflexes, strength, and sensation to identify the affected nerve
• MRI: Detailed imaging of discs, nerves, and soft tissues — the most important diagnostic tool
• X-rays: Evaluate bone spurs, disc space narrowing, and alignment
• CT scan: Detailed bone imaging for surgical planning
• EMG/Nerve conduction study: Measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves to confirm which nerve is affected and the severity of compression

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many pinched nerves improve with conservative treatment within 6-12 weeks:

• Physical therapy: Exercises to reduce nerve compression, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve posture
• Medications: NSAIDs, oral steroids (short-term), nerve pain medications (gabapentin, pregabalin), muscle relaxants
• Epidural steroid injections: Targeted injection of corticosteroid near the compressed nerve to reduce inflammation — often provides significant relief
• Cervical traction: For cervical pinched nerves, gentle traction can open up space for the nerve
• Activity modification: Avoiding positions and activities that worsen symptoms
• Heat/ice therapy: For symptom management

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended when:

• Conservative treatment fails after 6-12 weeks
• Significant or progressive weakness is present
• Severe pain prevents daily function
• Bladder/bowel dysfunction develops

For Cervical Pinched Nerves

• ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion): Removes the disc compressing the nerve from the front of the neck
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy: Opens the nerve foramen from the back of the neck to decompress the nerve

For Lumbar Pinched Nerves

• Microdiscectomy: Removes the disc fragment compressing the nerve through a small incision
• Laminectomy: Removes bone compressing the nerve
• Foraminotomy: Enlarges the nerve opening

Awake Spine Surgery

Dr. Sharan performs many nerve decompression procedures using his pioneering awake spine surgery technique. Patients remain awake under local anesthesia and sedation, allowing same-day discharge, faster recovery, and no general anesthesia risks.

Recovery

With minimally invasive decompression surgery:

• Most patients go home the same day
• Nerve pain often improves immediately after surgery
• Return to desk work in 1-2 weeks
• Full recovery in 4-6 weeks
• Numbness and weakness may take weeks to months to fully resolve as the nerve heals

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a pinched nerve last?

With proper treatment, most pinched nerves improve within 4-12 weeks. Some cases resolve in days, while chronic compression may require surgical intervention for relief.

Can a pinched nerve heal on its own?

Mild nerve compression can improve on its own with rest and activity modification. However, persistent or severe compression should be evaluated by a spine specialist to prevent permanent nerve damage.

What is the difference between a pinched nerve and sciatica?

Sciatica is a specific type of pinched nerve — it refers to compression of the sciatic nerve roots in the lumbar spine, causing pain that radiates down the leg. A pinched nerve is a broader term that can refer to nerve compression anywhere in the spine.

When is a pinched nerve an emergency?

Seek emergency care if you experience loss of bladder/bowel control, rapidly progressive weakness in both legs, or numbness in the groin area. These may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires urgent surgery.

Will a pinched nerve show up on MRI?

An MRI can show what is causing the nerve compression (herniated disc, bone spur, stenosis) and may show inflammation around the nerve. It is the most important imaging study for evaluating pinched nerves.