Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Dizziness?

Your nerves carry information to and from your brain. When you stub your toe or touch a hot stove, your nerves send out warning signals that something is wrong. Occasionally, parts of this information superhighway get compressed, causing a pinched nerve. Your brain might receive alerts that something is wrong with that nerve through a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, like pain, tingling, and dizziness. 

While your pinched nerve might heal on its own, there are times when you should seek medical help. Nerve pain can disrupt your life and prevent you from navigating the world comfortably. Keep reading to discover the connections between pinched nerves and dizziness, and how expert advice from a leading spinal neurosurgeon, like Dr. Todd H. Lanman, can help you heal. 

Understanding Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when there is too much compression in a particular area by surrounding tissue. Your muscles, bones, cartilage, or tendons might push into your nerves when they previously had enough space to transmit information. The nerve panics because of this compression and is unable to accurately transmit information. Instead, you might feel pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. 

Pinched nerves can occur throughout your body, but are commonly found in your neck, back, arms, hands, and legs. The location of the pinched nerve often depends on the cause. 

Here are a few common causes of pinched nerves that can leave you feeling pain or general discomfort: 

• Repetitive motions: Pinched nerves are common in workplaces where employees perform the same motions throughout the day. 
• Poor posture: Slouching can cause your spine to compress, potentially leading to pinched nerves. 
• Injuries and medical conditions: Some existing problems can lead to pinched nerves. For example, a herniated disc can push into your spinal column, compressing your nerve canal. A symptom of arthritis is inflammation, which could cause swollen joints to constrict the nerves. 
• Pregnancy: women’s bodies change significantly during this time, potentially compressing nerves through swelling and other adjustments. 

Even poor sleep position can cause pinched nerves if you are putting undue pressure on certain parts of your body. Knowing the source of your pinched nerve can help you avoid triggering that discomfort again. 

Recognizing Symptoms of Pinched Nerves

Each body is different, which means people experience pinched nerves in multiple ways. Your body and the cause of the compression could lead to a variety of symptoms, including: 

• Pain in the affected area: This can range from a dull throb to sharp, unexpected pains when you move. 
• Numbness or decreased sensation: It might be harder to feel sensations in areas affected by pinched nerves.
• Burning: Some people report a burning sensation because of pinched nerves.  
• Tingling: This is the pins-and-needles feeling often associated with an arm or a leg “falling asleep.” 
• Muscle weakness: A pinched nerve can make you feel fatigued when pain radiates through your muscles.
• Reduced mobility: You might not feel as confident when bending, twisting, or moving around because of the affected area. 
• Itching: Your body may feel itchy because the nerves are sending confusing messages. 

Symptoms can also change along with the pinched nerve progression. Your pain could worsen or a tingling sensation could turn to numbness over time.  

Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Dizziness?

Along with communicating information, nerves also allow you to balance. They work with other parts of your body to identify when you are off-kilter so you can restabilize. While a pinched nerve doesn’t usually cause dizziness, patients can feel dizzy if the affected nerve is located in the neck, cervical spine (upper back), or vestibular nerve (located in your inner ear). This is because the nerve cannot accurately communicate information about balancing and human equilibrium. 

How can you tell the cause is a pinched nerve?

Just because you feel dizzy doesn’t necessarily mean you have a pinched nerve. Look for other symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain, that indicate you may have nerve compression in your neck or cervical spine. If you have seemingly unrelated symptoms, the dizziness might have another cause. Humans can feel dizzy when they have inner ear issues, low blood pressure, migraines, or experience complications from other medications.

While many pinched nerves can heal, some require additional support. A severe pinched nerve can affect patients for up to 12 weeks. Dr. Lanman encourages patients to request a consultation with him or an expert from his ADR Top Doctors Directory if they experience dizziness resulting from pinched nerves. There could be other spinal issues causing that discomfort that need to be addressed.   

Treatment Options for Pinched Nerves

Many patients can treat their pinched nerves on their own. Resting the affected area is the easiest way for the body to decompress and heal. You might also use over-the-counter pain relievers and hot or cold therapy to reduce discomfort. However, there are additional treatments to consider if you have a severely pinched nerve:  

• Physical therapy: Your doctor might recommend a series of stretches and exercises to promote bodily health. 
• Medications: Both pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs have been used to treat pinched nerves. 
• Lifestyle changes: To prevent pain in the future, your doctor may recommend improving your posture or changing your workflow. Small changes can add up to a big difference in your health. 

The majority of patients with pinched nerves don’t need surgery, but it isn’t an unheard-of treatment plan. Here are a few operations Dr. Lanman might recommend to address nerve issues.  

Microdiscectomy

This occurs when a doctor removes part of the spinal disc that is putting pressure on the nerve canal. This can reduce compression because the disc isn’t harming the nerves anymore. 

Laminectomy

This procedure removes part of the vertebrae bone as a way to treat cervical stenosis. Abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the nerves, making patients feel dizzy and numb. This is beyond a standard pinched nerve. 

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)

Artificial disc replacement removes the entire disc that is pushing into your nerves and replaces it with a new one. This is often preferred over spinal fusion because it preserves mobility and is less invasive.  

Managing Dizziness Caused by Pinched Nerves

There are multiple remedies you can explore if you are diagnosed with a pinched nerve and need to treat your feelings of dizziness. First, practice gentle neck and back exercises at home that help you stretch and promote healthy spinal health. You can also embrace stress management techniques like meditation and reflection to help your muscles relax. 

Your doctor may also recommend professional therapies like vestibular rehabilitation therapy or chiropractic care to address your dizziness. Talk to your doctor if you try those therapies and they do or do not work for you.

Top Ways to Prevent a Pinched Nerve 

Patients recovering from pinched nerves often want to avoid developing the condition again in the future. Fortunately, small changes can reduce your risk of getting a pinched nerve and living with the pain and tingling that comes with it. Here are a few ways to avoid pinched nerves. 

• Ergonomic Adjustments: Invest in an office chair that helps you sit up straighter. You can also practice good posture in other parts of your life, like placing a rolled-up towel behind you when watching TV and sitting so it doesn’t fall. 
• Regular Exercise: Moving your body allows your muscles to stretch and gets your blood flowing. It can also support flexibility, balance, and mobility. Follow the CDC guidelines for strength and cardio training. 
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Take steps to eat a balanced diet with reasonable portions. Increase your water intake and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking. This can improve your health as a whole. 
• Talk to Your Doctor: Let your doctor know if you are worried about pinched nerves and ask them what you can do about it. They might have specific recommendations based on your medical chart. 

A pinched nerve doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or give up your favorite hobbies. However, you may need to make some adjustments to protect your health. 

Find Relief From Your Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Pinched nerves are uncomfortable, but they usually heal on their own. However, if you experience dizziness as a result of your pinched nerve, you may have a more severe neck or spinal condition. Monitor your symptoms to ensure they aren’t getting worse and request a consultation with Dr. Lanman if your pinched nerve doesn’t heal on its own. 

Almost anyone can experience a pinched nerve at some point in their lives; however, you can take steps to avoid this condition. Maintaining good posture, getting regular exercise, and making healthy diet choices can all support your nerve health. Knowing your risks for getting a pinched nerve can help you avoid this condition and the uncomfortable side effects that come with it.  

Similar Questions Answered About Pinched Nerves & Dizziness

How do I know if dizziness is from my neck?

If you experience dizziness, try to identify other symptoms that could cause discomfort. For example, if you notice tingling or numbness radiating down your arms, you may have nerve damage in your neck. Dizziness has a variety of causes, from inner ear problems to low blood pressure, so it is important to connect multiple symptoms to get a diagnosis. 

What does cervical vertigo feel like?

Each person is different, but patients who have cervical vertigo may feel dizzy or think the room is spinning. They might also feel like they are floating. These symptoms make completing basic tasks, like walking or handling objects, difficult. 

Can poor neck posture cause dizziness?

Yes. Poor posture can cause your spine to compress, placing pressure on your nerve canal. If they are compressed too much, you may experience a pinched nerve. Alternatively, your spinal discs bulging out of place can also compress your nerves, causing dizziness. 

Can a bulging disc cause dizziness?

Yes. When a bulging disc is pushed out of place, it often comes into contact with your nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and dizziness. You may be able to treat the condition with physical therapy or could need surgery. 

What can be mistaken for a pinched nerve?

While you may think you have a pinched nerve, you may instead have a pulled muscle, arthritis, bulging or herniated disc, or other condition that causes discomfort. It is better to get a clear diagnosis from your doctor instead of treating the pain on your own. 

Can limiting stress help with pinched nerves?

Yes, resting your body can help it heal. If you experience pinched nerves, you may want to rest from your work and hobbies. Emotional and mental stress often takes physical tolls on the human body. Reducing stress can help you maintain good posture and create time to exercise and practice healing stretches.