Lumbar Pinched Nerve in Manhattan, NY

A pinched nerve refers to compression of a nerve anywhere along its course outside the spinal cord. Typically patients describe a “pinched” nerve when it is being compressed by a herniated disc as the nerve exits the neuroforamen of the spine.

There are five (5) lumbar nerve roots that exit the lumbar spine on each side of the body. Each nerve root imparts sensory and motor information to a specific area of the lower extremities/torso and specific groups of muscles. Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve can result from a nerve being compressed by disc material or arthritis within the spine. The pain is often sharp or burning and may radiate outward. Coughing and sneezing can also increase spinal canal pressure and worsen symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Diagnosing a lumbar pinched nerve begins with a visit to our office in Midtown Manhattan. Our team will conduct a thorough medical evaluation and physical exam, followed by specialized tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). These tests help assess nerve function and identify any abnormalities or disruptions in the electrical signals. Additionally, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans may be recommended to visualize the spine and pinpoint the precise area of nerve impingement. The combined findings from these evaluations allow our specialists to diagnose a lumbar pinched nerve and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Procedural treatments for lumbar pinched nerves can include cortisone or steroid injections under live imaging guidance via a transforaminal or interlaminar approach. The location of the injection is decided by the distribution of symptoms and imaging findings. For those looking to avoid steroids and surgical options, Regenexx regenerative medicine procedures may offer a novel solution. Using a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-lysate we are able to treat inflamed nerves without the need for surgery. These healing cells are injected directly around pinched nerves to help improve pain and promote healing. Most patients report dramatic improvements in pain and function after these procedures with minimal downtime.

Our interventional spine specialists are experts in Regenexx regenerative medicine treatments. If you are interested to learn more about Regenexx and whether you qualify for treatment, please reach out to Ospina Medical, located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City to speak with one of our Regenexx providers today.

How does a pinched nerve in the lumbar region feel?
If you suffer from a pinched nerve, you will certainly notice low back pain. More specifically, you may feel numbness or tingling in your lower spine region. In addition, there may be pain that manifests as burning, aching, or even sharp pain which radiates out from the area, or paresthesia (pins and needles), especially when you are seated.

How long will this take to heal?
Healing can depend on a number of factors for patients who have pinched lumbar nerves. At Ospina Medical, we want to promote your healing with as minimal intervention as needed as possible. This can mean at times that our conservative approaches may be slower than some, but we attempt to treat nerves in a way that prevents as many other issues as possible along the way.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?
Diagnosing pinched lumbar nerves can happen in a variety of ways. At times, your symptoms will lead to minimal diagnostic efforts, such as x-rays or bloodwork. Other, harder-to-detect pinched nerves may predicate MRI or other imaging to fully diagnose.