Pinched Nerve
Symptoms from a pinched nerve can differ in severity. It may cause short or long-term problems depending on the underlying causative factors. An excellent treatment modality for this condition is called low level laser therapy (LILT)
A pinched nerve in medical language is known as nerve compression and can happen to any part of the body. If the nerve gets compressed at its origin in the spine this is known as spinal radiculopathy. When a nerve gets compressed it can cause a range of different symptoms like pain, tightness in the muscles, numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the arms or legs. If you are getting symptoms in your arms or legs because of a nerve root compression it is best to seek immediate help from a physiotherapist as he/she has the expertise to get you back to normal.
Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include:
- Numbness or decreased sensation
- Sharp, aching or burning pain
- Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has “fallen asleep”
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is a common condition that may or may not be caused by a physical injury. Quite often you can develop sympotms through normal body processes that puts too much pressure on the nerve, for example:
- Bulging disc
- Arthritis (wear and tear)
- Spondylosis (wear and tear)
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Spinal stenosis
- Postural strain or stress from repetitive work
- Pregnancy
- Overweight
Treatments for Pinched Nerve
- Activity modification and pain control
- Bioflex laser therapy
- Dry needling
- Education
- Exercise- stretching/strengthening/eccentrics
- Manual therapy
- Mckenzie Technique
- Shockwave therapy
Prevention
Correct posture can play a huge part when it comes to neural symptoms in the arms or legs. If you identify what reproduces your symptoms, try your very best not to put yourself in that position so that the nerves do not get aggravated. Something as basic as sitting straight while working on the computer can give you relief from the nagging nerve irritation. Frequent breaks if you are working at a desk can also give you relief. If you do a lot of bending at work then mind your posture and try your best not to bend you back when lifting or digging. All of these examples will obviously be job specific.
What home exercise can I do?
Nerve pain and symptoms can potentially be very series. For this reason, it is advised that you get an assessment by a regulated health professional before participating in a home exercise program. When you get an exercise plan from a physiotherapist it may consist of core conditioning, nerve glides, stretching, strengthening and balance exercises. Nerves are very sensitive structures, so it is important you are doing the right exercises, at the right time in the right order. The last thing you want to do is irritate the nerves when applying an exercise you seen on the internet prescribed by doctor Google!
Need More Info?
If you have any questions about tennis elbow or how Physiotherapy at Woodbridge could help – then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our physiotherapist Derek Mernagh has many years of experience in dealing with tennis elbow and has treated many client with a successful outcome – visit his profile for more information. Physiotherapy at Woodbridge has many 5 star Google reviews from our clients who have had great results from their treatment. Remember, Physiotherapy at Woodbridge offers the most advance treatment modalities and one to one personalized care.
