Nerves are special organs that are meant to send and receive important messages throughout the body and connect the different body parts to the brain and spinal cord. Nerves help the brain and the spinal cord, control and monitor the rest of the body, firstly, by receiving sensory signals to touch, vision, pain, etc and secondly, by transmitting motor control signals, which help coordinate muscular movements.
Pinched nerve is a term used for nerve compression, which may result in reduced functionality of the nerve and also associated with warning signals like pain. The extent of damage caused by the pinching of the nerve can range from minor to severe and can either be temporary or long lasting.
What Causes A Pinched Nerve In Leg?
The sciatic nerve is a major nerve, which supply to the leg and the foot. It passes over the piriformis muscle via the iliac fossa of the pelvis. While sciatic nerve is the most common nerve that gets pinched in the leg, other nerve roots may also be involved. Some of the common causes for pinching of nerves include,
- Repetitive motions or pressure due to prolonged sitting can cause the nerve to compresses resulting in pain.
- Inflammation of the nerve root or the surrounding tissue can result in radiating pain which moves from the leg to the foot.
- Prolapse of a disc space can also lead to pinching of the nerve in the leg. Usually nerve roots located from L1 to S2 are most likely to get pinched due to herniated disc.
- Other causes for pinching of nerve in the legs include swelling of the surrounding tissue or scarring which can put pressure on the nerve and result in symptoms of pain and nervous dysfunction.
Symptoms Of Pinched Nerve In Leg
Some of the common symptoms associated with pinched nerve in the leg include,
- Throbbing or pulsating pain around the area of compression in the lower back region (lumbo-sacral region).
- Pain radiating down the affected lumbo-sacral region to the foot, via the leg.
- Tingling numbness along with sensation of needle pin pricking and burning sensation.
- Weakness while performing certain motor activities may be indicative of more serious damage.
Home Remedies To Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain
The treatment of the condition usually depends upon a host of factors including the age of the person, severity of the symptoms and extent of nerve damage. While it is always recommended to consult a physician, series investigations especially X ray and MRI scans become important to ascertain the cause for the pinched nerve.
While in cases of prolapsed vertebral disc, surgical intervention becomes inevitable; here are some simple home remedies and natural treatments that can be beneficial,
- Turmeric is a strong natural anti-inflammatory agent and can help in reducing swelling and pain associated with pinched nerve. Add two table spoons of turmeric to a glass of milk and consume twice a day. Alternatively prepare a paste of equal portions of turmeric with raw honey and consume it in plain water twice a day.
- Consume four to five freshly crushed flakes of garlic twice a day. Like turmeric, garlic also has strong anti-inflammatory proprieties and can prove very beneficial.
- Simple physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the pinched nerve is also known to reduce pain and inflammation. Consult a physiotherapist to help you identify the series of exercises that need to be performed.