Depending on which nerves are affected, certain activities may trigger or worsen pain. If your nerve pain doesn’t improve after taking medication, a pain management specialist can offer targeted treatment. Here are four common activities that trigger nerve pain:
1. Specific Movements
When you bend forward, extra pressure is placed on the front of the spinal discs, pushing the soft center toward the back. This can cause the disc to bulge and irritate nearby nerves, leading to back soreness or discomfort. Twisting your body suddenly might compress spinal joints or discs, which also irritates nearby nerves. Excessive stretching could cause nerve pain by pulling or placing tension on the tissue.
To manage the symptoms, a pain management specialist may recommend nerve ablation, which uses radiofrequency energy to control the pain. This treatment uses radio waves and heat to destroy nerves, lessening their ability to send pain signals to the brain. During this procedure, a qualified doctor targets pain in the specific area to minimize impact on other tissues.
2. Bad Posture
Poor posture, such as hunching over a desk, increases pressure on lower back discs and sciatic nerve roots. Slouching reduces the space between the vertebrae, which can compress nerves and lead to pain. When you sit unevenly, it can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing soreness in your buttocks, hips, and legs.
When you visit a trusted clinic, a healthcare provider may suggest an epidural steroid injection to reduce pain from nerve root compression. This anti-inflammatory medication is administered to the area around your spinal cord to manage pressure on nerve roots. Physical therapy may be recommended to help you move more easily and strengthen your muscles.
3. Heavy Lifting
Lifting heavy objects puts pressure on your intervertebral discs, causing them to herniate and compress spinal nerves. If you overwork your core and back muscles, they may become tight and irritated. As you lift items off the floor, especially if you bend at the waist instead of the knees, it stretches spinal nerves, making them sore. Doctors use peripheral nerve stimulation, which are gentle electrical pulses to the affected nerve to manage pain. After this procedure, your care provider advises you to limit lifting to help with your recovery.
4. Prolonged Standing
If you stand for long periods, it puts pressure on your spinal discs, hips, knees, and feet. As time passes by, the pressure compresses spinal or peripheral nerves, leading to soreness. As your muscles become tired due to prolonged standing, they may spasm, which can irritate nearby nerves. To manage neuropathic pain, a medical professional may suggest spinal cord stimulation, which involves implanting a device on the back or arms. During treatment, a doctor implants temporary leads so that you can go home and see if they’re making an impact.
Visit a Trusted Pain Management Clinic Today
Whether you have mild or severe nerve pain, a doctor can examine you to determine the extent of the condition. This professional may order imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, to determine the severity of the issue. To find relief from constant nerve soreness, contact a trusted pain management clinic today to schedule an appointment.
