The spine is made up of bones called vertebra and soft spongy discs that separate the vertebra and aid in motion and shock absorption. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is housed by the spine. Branching off the spine at each vertebral level are spinal nerves, which travel throughout the body and literally control every aspect of sensation and motor function. These spinal nerves can become damaged temporarily or permanently through many different ways, such as a herniated disc or a car accident. When the nerves are damaged, they cause symptoms that can help doctors diagnose the location of the damage.
Pain
One of the most prominent symptoms associated with nerve damage is pain. Nerve pain is often described as burning or stabbing, rather than the typical achiness of most back pain. Pain may be localized or radiating. Radiating pain, or radiculopathy, is pain that follows a particular dermatome, which is the area of skin supplied by a single nerve. Doctors find this very helpful in diagnosing the location of the nerve damage or compression, according to the University of Wisconsin. If multiple nerves are damaged, several dermatomes may be affected. Sciatica is an example of radiating pain, where the large sciatic nerve that exits the lumbar spine and travels down the back of the leg is compressed, according to Spine-health.com. Patients often experience leg pain in greater abundance than back pain in these cases.
Numbness and Tingling
When a nerve is damaged or compressed it causes an alteration in the sensation on the skin. Again, each nerve supplies sensation to one particular area of skin and it is helpful to determine exactly where altered sensation occurs in order to diagnose the location of the nerve damage. Numbness and tingling, also described as pins and needles, is a frequent complaint, according to Ortho-Spine.com. When nerve compression is resolved, the numbness and tingling usually go away. If nerve damage becomes permanent, the altered sensation may also be permanent.
Muscle Weakness
Every muscle in the body is controlled by a nerve or several nerves. When a nerve is damaged, the muscles to which it supplies motor control may experience weakness and inability to fully contract. According to the National Institutes of Health, many patients don't notice that they are experiencing muscle weakness until a doctor examines them. Some people may notice that they have a hard time gripping things if nerve damage occurs in the cervical spine. Others who have lumbar nerve damage may notice that they have difficulty moving one leg fully.
Cauda Equina
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition where nerves that control bowel, bladder and sexual function are compressed or damaged. Any patient who notices a change in the control of these functions should seek emergency medical care. Cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency and if not corrected, permanent loss of control and damage may be experienced, according to The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
