Nerve Pain (trapped nerves)


 


 


 


All pain is felt through the nervous system so it would be correct to say all pain is as a result of nerve stimulation. In this context the term " nerve pain " refers to the nerve being the source causing the actual pain as opposed to the joint or muscle i.e. trapped or pinched nerve root.

Nerve entrapment is very common and is caused by physical compression or irritation of major nerve roots or peripheral nerves, which produces distant nerve pain symptoms (major nerve roots are where the nerves start from in the spinal column, peripheral nerves are all over the body i.e. sciatic nerve).

Symptoms of nerve pain or entrapment include:

- Pins and needles
- Numbness over the skin
- Sharp shooting pain that feels like a narrow band
- Alterations in skin temperature
- Muscle weakness or wastage

Certain sites areas are more likely to produce nerve entrapment because of the body's complicated structure. The site of the nerve compression is very rarely where the symptoms are felt. For example: entrapment of the nerves in the neck area can produce pins and needles in the hand without any discomfort at all within the neck. Therefore, to reduce the symptoms, the underlying cause in the neck would be where treatment would be best suited.

How does a nerve become trapped?

Nerves have a highly complex route throughout the body and pass through many different structures. Tight muscles and incorrect joint movement are usually the cause of the compression. This compression is usually caused by poor posture, repetitive movement or injury.

Treatment of trapped nerves

Treatment of a trapped nerve is usually very quick and effective. Depending on how long the nerve has been trapped will depend on how quick the treatment process is. In most cases, if the physical irritation or compression is removed then the symptoms will likely reduce or even disappear immediately. 

If the joint is causing the irritation then treatment will involve mobilisation. Many people believe that all mobilisation techniques are aggressive and require "clicking" movements. This is a common misconception and is usually based on one's own past experience or one of a friends. At James Grigg Injury Clinic mobilisation techniques are based on the latest techniques from New Zealand that are gentle, non aggressive and highly effective. Many patients are amazed at how quickly pain can be reduced with such gentle techniques.

If the muscle is causing the irritation then treatment will involve some kind of soft tissue release. Simply stretching a muscle will most probably be ineffective. In the clinic advanced soft tissue techniques are used to release tight knots in muscles where simple stretches are ineffective. These techniques also non aggressive, but again highly effective. In most cases, soft tissue release techniques result in a large increase in muscle flexibility, which in turn, reduces the compression placed upon the nerve. Once the compression of the nerve is released the symptoms resolve.

Trapped nerves are very common yet very easy to correct. Many people are unaware that they have a trapped nerve as their symptom may only be weakness in the muscle. All symptoms mentioned above don't have to be present, quite often there is only one i.e. muscle weakness. If you feel that one side of your body feels weaker or certain muscles groups are not as strong as you think they should be, then it is recommended that you seek advice and possible assessment.

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email