Non-surgical care for neck, arm, back and leg nerve pain with Dr. Michael Erdman, fellowship-trained in interventional spine and pain
A pinched nerve can cause sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that travels down an arm or leg. It happens when a nerve is squeezed or irritated as it leaves the spine.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Michael Erdman at IROSM in Hialeah finds which nerve is pinched and why. He then offers a plan that may include therapy, medicine and guided injections. Se habla español.
Important Notice from IROSM: Your treatment plan is made for you by Dr. Michael Erdman. After an exam at IROSM in Hialeah, he will tell you which option fits your nerve pain, including when a surgical opinion is the better choice.
Pinched Nerve Symptoms
In the Neck
Neck pain with pain, numbness or tingling into the shoulder, arm or hand. Also called cervical radiculopathy.
In the Lower Back
Back pain with pain down the buttock and leg, often past the knee. Often called sciatica.
Sharp, burning or electric pain along the nerve
Numbness or pins and needles
Weakness in the hand, arm, leg or foot
Pain that is worse with coughing, sneezing, sitting or certain neck positions
Go to the emergency room for new weakness in both legs or arms, numbness in the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
Herniated or bulging disc: the soft center of a disc pushes out and presses on a nerve.
Spinal stenosis: the space for the nerves narrows with age.
Bone spurs and joint wear: wear in the spine can crowd a nerve.
Nerves outside the spine: a nerve can also be squeezed at the wrist or elbow, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dr. Erdman asks where the pain travels, checks your strength, feeling and reflexes, and does simple tests that stretch the nerve. The pattern of symptoms usually shows which nerve is involved. An MRI is often ordered when pain spreads down a limb, when there is weakness, or before an injection. In some cases, a nerve test or a small numbing injection helps confirm the source.
Pinched Nerve Treatment Options in Hialeah
Many pinched nerves improve over time with non-surgical care. Options at IROSM in Hialeah may include:
Activity changes and therapy: staying active, nerve gliding exercises and core and posture work.
Medicine: short-term anti-inflammatory or nerve pain medicine, if safe for you, with a focus on avoiding opioids.
Epidural steroid injections: steroid medicine placed near the irritated nerve root with image guidance, in the neck or lower back. See lumbar epidural injections.
Selective nerve root blocks: a targeted injection at one nerve root that can ease pain and help confirm the source.
Not every treatment is right for everyone, and results vary. Dr. Erdman will tell you at your visit which options fit you. If weakness is getting worse or pain does not ease, a surgical opinion may be the better choice, and he will help with a referral.
What the Research Says About Pinched Nerve Treatment
Steroid injections at the nerve root: In a study of people with a pinched nerve in the lower back, patients were randomly given one of five injections. About half (54%) of those who got a steroid injection at the nerve root had major pain relief, compared with 7% to 21% in the other groups. Over time, fewer people kept that relief. Ghahreman A, et al. The efficacy of transforaminal injection of steroids for the treatment of lumbar radicular pain. Pain Med. 2010;11(8):1149-1168. View the study.
Surgery compared with non-surgical care for sciatica: A review of studies comparing disc surgery with non-surgical care for sciatica found that surgery eased leg pain faster, but the difference got smaller over time. The review suggests surgery may suit people who value faster relief more than its risks and costs. Liu C, et al. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for sciatica: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2023;381:e070730. View the study.
Pinched Nerve Treatment in Hialeah and Doral
Providing pinched nerve care to residents of Hialeah, Doral, Miami Lakes, Miami Springs, Hialeah Gardens, and Miami-Dade County. Dr. Erdman also sees patients at our Fort Lauderdale office. Se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
777 E 25th St, Suite 508
Hialeah, FL 33013
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinched Nerves
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
Common symptoms are sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that travels down an arm or leg. Where you feel it depends on which nerve is pinched.
Will a pinched nerve heal on its own?
Will a pinched nerve heal on its own?
Many pinched nerves ease over time with activity changes, therapy and medicine. See a doctor if pain is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with weakness.
Do I need surgery for a pinched nerve?
Do I need surgery for a pinched nerve?
Many people do not. Non-surgical care and guided injections are common first steps. Surgery may be the better choice when weakness gets worse or pain does not ease, and Dr. Erdman will explain your options.
How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?
How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?
With a history, an exam of strength, feeling and reflexes, and often an MRI. Nerve tests or a small numbing injection can help confirm the source.
Does Dr. Erdman speak Spanish?
Does Dr. Erdman speak Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Erdman speaks English and Spanish, so you can talk about your care in the language you prefer. Se habla español.
Is pinched nerve treatment covered by insurance?
Is pinched nerve treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan. Office visits, imaging and many injections are often covered. Our team checks your benefits and explains costs before treatment.
Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?
Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?
It depends on your insurance. Many HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans need a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Please check with your plan, or call us at (954) 751-6990 before your visit to confirm.
Find Out Which Nerve Is Causing Your Pain
Board-certified · Fellowship-trained in interventional spine and pain · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Erdman at IROSM in Hialeah for an exam and a clear plan for your nerve pain. Same-week appointments are usually available. Se habla español.
Medically reviewed by:Dr. Michael Erdman Institute: Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
Last reviewed: September 2026
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Pinched nerve treatment at IROSM in Hialeah requires a clinical examination by Dr. Michael Erdman to establish candidacy. Serving Hialeah, Miami Lakes, Miami Springs, Hialeah Gardens, Doral, and surrounding Miami-Dade County communities.
