Don't Let a Pinched Nerve Ruin Your Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day often comes with plans you look forward to, such as dinner reservations, long walks, travel, or simply relaxing with someone you love. But if you’re dealing with a pinched nerve, even small movements can trigger sharp pain, tingling, or weakness that makes it hard to enjoy the moment. 

Nerve pain has a way of demanding attention, and ignoring it rarely makes it better.

At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, our team understands how disruptive spine-related nerve pain can be. Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, focuses on identifying the exact source of your pain and helping you get back to living fully, without rushing into unnecessary treatment.

What a pinched nerve feels like

A pinched nerve in the spine occurs when surrounding structures — such as a herniated disc, bone spur, or inflamed tissue — place pressure on a spinal nerve. That pressure interferes with normal nerve signaling, leading to symptoms that go beyond typical muscle soreness.

If you have a pinched spinal nerve, it’s typical to experience the following symptoms:

• Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain
• Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Muscle weakness or heaviness
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions

Because nerves travel long distances from the spine, the pain may show up far from its source. For instance, a problem in your neck can affect your arm or hand. An issue in your lower back can radiate into your hip or leg.

Why nerve pain tends to flare at the worst times

Pinched nerves can cause problems at any time. Long drives, awkward sleeping positions, stress, and even prolonged sitting during work or travel can increase inflammation and pressure around the nerve. Valentine’s Day activities like sitting through a long dinner, wearing dress shoes, or traveling can unintentionally aggravate symptoms that were already simmering.

When nerve pain starts interfering with sleep, mobility, or daily plans, it’s a sign that your spine needs attention.

When to see a spine specialist

Occasional aches often resolve on their own, but it’s wise not to brush off nerve-related symptoms. It’s time to seek care if your pain:

• Lasts more than a few days
• Radiates into an arm or leg
• Comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Keeps returning despite rest or over-the-counter treatments

Early evaluation can prevent symptoms from becoming more severe or long-lasting.

Conservative care comes first

Dr. Jones is known for his thoughtful, conservative approach. Many pinched nerves improve with noninvasive care such as targeted physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory treatments, or image-guided injections that reduce nerve irritation.

These treatments are designed to relieve pressure, calm inflammation, and give the nerve space to recover, without unnecessary procedures.

Advanced solutions when needed

If conservative care doesn’t provide enough relief, minimally invasive spine surgery may be an option. These procedures use smaller incisions and advanced techniques to address the source of nerve compression while preserving surrounding tissue and supporting faster recovery.

Enjoy a special day without pain getting in the way

You shouldn’t have to plan your life around nerve pain or push through discomfort just to get through Valentine’s Day. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, relief is possible.

If a pinched nerve is threatening to overshadow your daily life or important moments, contact The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas. Call our Pearland, Houston, or Lake Jackson office today to schedule an evaluation and get on the road to relief.