When shooting pain radiates down your arm or leg, it’s a sure sign that you have a pinched spinal nerve. If your shooting pain fails to respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be the best way to find long-lasting relief. At Verma Spine, serving patients in Los Alamitos, Long Beach, and Orange County, California, Kushagra Verma, MD, MS, FAAOS, is a skilled spine surgeon who takes the time to fully explain your disease process and review all your treatment options, nonsurgical and surgical, so you can make the best decision for your health. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.
Shooting Pain Q & A
What condition causes shooting pain?
Shooting pain is the classic symptom of a pinched spinal nerve, a condition called radiculopathy. The nerve is typically compressed at the area where it enters or leaves your spine. Once the nerve is inflamed or damaged, it causes pain that travels the length of the nerve. The most common types of radiculopathy are arm and leg pain. Pinched nerves in your neck lead to pain radiating down your arm, while damaged nerves in your lower back result in pain shooting down your leg. Sciatica is a well-known type of radiculopathy that occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched at the base of your spine. As a result, you experience excruciating pain that shoots down one leg.
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