Q:What causes a pinched nerve?

A:A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues; such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure (compression) disrupts the nerve's function causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the affected area. Common causes of pinched nerves in the spine include herniated discs, bulging discs or degenerative disc disease.

Q:Where does a pinched nerve occur?

A:A pinched nerve can occur anywhere in your body. For example, a herniated disc in your lower spine may put pressure on a nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of your leg (sciatica). Another common type of pinched nerve is the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in your wrist; compression of that nerve can lead to pain and numbness in your hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). These are just two common examples of pinched nerves; many other nerves can be pinched - including those in your neck, shoulder, elbow and other areas.

Q:What can cause a pinched nerve?

A:The following factors may increase your risk of experiencing a pinched nerve:
Posture - poor posture adds pressure to your spine and nerves.
Osteoarthritis - nerves can become pinched in the bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis.
Overuse - jobs or hobbies that require repetitive hand, wrist or shoulder movements, such as assembly line work, increase your likelihood of a pinched nerve.
Obesity - excess weight can add pressure to nerves.
Heredity - some people appear to be genetically predisposed to conditions that lead to pinched nerves.

Q:I've had pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness for several days; they don't respond to rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Could it be a pinched nerve?

A:Yes, it could be. You need to get an appropriate medical diagnosis. Your general practitioner will be able to do a physical exam or conduct necessary tests - nerve conduction study or electromyography. These tests are often completed at the same time and take about one hour. You could also obtain an MRI or CT Scan. Once you have those results, you can send the report to LSI for a free medical review and assessment.

Q:What is my prognosis after the surgery?

A:LSI has a minimally invasive, outpatient, laser-assisted procedures that correct the causes of a pinched nerve and often leave the patient free of the painful symptoms. With treatment, most people recover from pinched nerve.

Q:Am I too old for LSI surgery?

A:It's never too late as long as you get a clearance by both your doctors and ours. Our patients' age range is from 17 to 100 years old. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and patient appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.

Q:How long does it take to see results?

A:Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern and recovery process. Results will depend on the patient's pathology and the severity of their condition. It could range from a couple of hours to a few days before results are felt.

Q:Will I need physical therapy after the surgery?

A:Yes, sometimes a patient might need physical therapy if it was advised by their doctor.

Answer

The endoscope and arthroscope are the exact same instrument. They are small tubes through which surgery is performed. When the tube is placed into a joint, it is referred to as an arthroscopic procedure (arthro meaning joint). When the tube is placed into an area other than a joint, it is called an endoscope. At LSI, we perform endoscopic procedures.