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- $Unique_ID{BRK01231}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is a Pinched Nerve and How Can it be Treated?}
- $Subject{pinched nerve nerves sciatica nervous system systems transmitting
- transmit transmits message messages impulse impulses pinch pinches sciatic}
- $Volume{F-2}
- $Log{
- Anatomy of the Spinal Cord*0006801.scf
- Anatomy of the Spinal Arteries*0006802.scf
- Anatomy of the Somesthetic System and Motor Cortex*0006803.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is a Pinched Nerve and How Can it be Treated?
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-
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-
- QUESTION: Some time ago, I submitted a letter to you that asked numerous
- medical questions, perhaps too many for you to address. Therefore I am
- sending you this letter and will appreciate you addressing the condensed
- question. What is a pinched nerve and how can it be treated?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Yes, it is always better for both of us if the question can be
- answered in the space I have in this column. Nerves are much like electric
- cables or wires, transmitting messages or impulses from one section of our
- body to another. As a nerve runs along its path, it must pass through holes
- in bones, between bones, between, under or through muscles, ligaments and
- tendons. Usually there is ample room for the nerve to pass, but when the
- passage way is reduced, the surrounding tissue can press upon the nerve or
- "pinch" it. Using sciatica as an example, a condition in which pain radiates
- along the course of the sciatic nerve, often into the buttocks and back of the
- leg. Such pain may be caused by pressure on the nerve from compression of the
- nerve as it passes through the space between the vertebrae by new bone
- growths, as in osteoarthritis. Each case of "pinched nerve" must be evaluated
- to discover its specific cause, and directing the treatment to removing it.
- And that may be a difficult task.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-