Is a Pinched Nerve Causing Your Post-Holiday Pain?

The holidays are filled with fun and relaxation, but all that baking, decorating, and traveling can have unintended consequences. For example, it might cause back pain, neck pain, or radiating limb pain. 

Unfortunately, these symptoms often appear once people return to work and their regular routines. 

While musculoskeletal pain occurs for various reasons, a common cause is a pinched nerve.

Our team of interventional pain doctors at Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, in Sarasota, Florida, specializes in nerve pain treatment. 

Here, we explain what a pinched nerve is, discuss the symptoms, and describe when to see a doctor for treatment.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve or group of nerves is compressed by surrounding tissues, like inflamed muscles or bone. This leads to pain, numbness, and tingling that often radiates into other areas, like the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

Pinched nerves can occur almost anywhere in the body, but they commonly affect the back, neck, wrists, and shoulders. 

Holiday activities like hanging lights, lifting heavy packages, and traveling for long hours place strain on your body. Without proper preparation, such as stretching beforehand, these movements can irritate your nerves and lead to post-holiday pain.

Signs your pain is nerve-related

Many people assume nerve pain can only be diagnosed with imaging tests, like an MRI. But pinched nerves often trigger distinct symptoms. These include:

• Sharp or burning pain in the neck or lower back
• Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
• Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” 
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced grip strength

You might also notice that your pain is more intense during specific movements, like when you’re shaving or brushing your teeth. Any activity that puts pressure on the affected nerve can worsen symptoms. 

When to see a pain specialist 

Mildly pinched nerves usually improve with rest and simple at-home care, even after the extra strain of holiday activities. However, if your symptoms last for more than a few days and interfere with your sleep or daily routine, seeking professional help is essential. 

If left untreated, nerve compression can cause lasting weakness, numbness, or balance issues. The good news is that early diagnosis can significantly lower the risk of these outcomes.

Treatment for a pinched nerve: What to expect

Our team takes a conservative and integrative approach to treating pinched nerves. After discussing your symptoms, completing a physical exam, and ordering imaging studies, we make personalized recommendations.

Depending on the location and severity of your nerve pain, we may suggest:

• Physical therapy
• Improved posture and ergonomics
• Activity changes to ease pressure on the affected nerve
• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve block injections
• Regenerative medicine

The goal is to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and support your body’s healing process.

We can help you manage post-holiday nerve pain

If you’re struggling to manage post-holiday nerve pain, schedule an appointment at Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC. Our experienced team can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and get you back to daily life.