Nobody wants to feel powerless in the face of any medical diagnosis, and the old adage, “knowledge is power,” may be especially true in the case of a pinched nerve diagnosis. This is because a pinched nerve is actually a fairly common condition and, while the symptoms may at first threaten to decrease your quality of life, there are a variety of treatments available that can make it a manageable condition. Knowing what these treatments are, how they work, and how they can be combined into an effective treatment plan are all important parts of managing your back or neck pain.

Talking to Your Doctor

Only a doctor is qualified to deliver a pinched nerve diagnosis, but after you’re received your diagnosis, you can start learning about your condition right away by asking your doctor to explain what a pinched nerve is and how it was caused. It may be easy for your doctor to cite the direct cause of your compressed nerve – medical imaging will likely reveal whether the nerve is being pinched by disc material, bone spurs, spinal narrowing, or another anatomical abnormality – though determining the underlying causes of spinal degeneration is not an exact science. It’s likely that a variety of factors have merged to cause the condition, such as age, genetics, and lifestyle. Try not to be frustrated by this, and accept the fact that some people will simply be more prone to degenerative spinal conditions that may lead to a pinched nerve.

Some people prefer to make a follow-up appointment with their doctor after receiving a pinched nerve diagnosis so that they can go home, digest the news, and come back ready to have an informed discussion about treatment options. This may be a good option if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, shocked, or anxious upon first receiving your diagnosis.

Finding a Support Group

While you may have the guidance and advice of the best doctor in the world, few things can be as beneficial as connecting with others who have gone through the same situation. The Internet is a great place to find, and communicate with, people who are dealing with a pinched nerve diagnosis. Not only can this provide emotional support, but you may also be able to get information about treatment methods.

Informing your family and friends of your diagnosis can also be helpful in case you need assistance with daily activities while trying to establish an effective treatment plan. If you find yourself unable to perform small tasks, such as watering your plants, walking your dog, or driving to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, ask for help. Being surrounded by people who care about you and are willing to support you can help you deal with your condition both physically and emotionally.

Doing Your Own Research

Learning about the condition yourself will help ensure that you can have an informed conversation with your doctor about treatment methods. The Internet is a great place to start your research, as it offers a wealth of information about spinal anatomy, pinched nerves, and other spine conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for pinched nerves and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/pinched_nerve/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Self Help
Keywords: Pinched nerve