Trapped Nerves
Targeted treatment and pain relief for trapped nerves
Nerves carry messages from your brain and spinal cord to your body and back from your body to your brain. Messages going out from the brain enable us to move, and those going back to the brain are our senses (such as temperature, pain, or feeling) and enable us to know about our environment.
Book your appointmentWhat is a trapped nerve?
Unfortunately, nerves can become compressed or damaged which results in the nerve being unable to function efficiently, as a result we may feel altered sensation such as tingling / pins and needles / numbness / pain / coldness. Alternatively, we may lose some of the strength and power in our muscles which can start to waste away. One of the most well-known ‘trapped nerves’ is the sciatic nerve which causes symptoms of ‘sciatica’ or median nerve which causes ‘carpel tunnel syndrome’.
What causes trapped nerves?
Nerves are commonly trapped in the back by bulging discs between your spine. They may also be trapped by tight muscles or compressed by bone. Occasionally (rarely) nerves can become compressed due to more sinister causes such as growths, tumours, or cysts. An acutely inflamed spinal facet joint can also cause nerve compression or nerve root irritation this can be common and can cause intense muscle spasms.
What are the symptoms of a trapped nerve?
Trapped nerves typically feel acutely painful and often have feeling like an electric shock or shooting pain. Occasionally they cause numbness, tingling, pins and needles or even wasting of the muscles. Pain is usually felt in the leg, foot, arm, hand, or shoulder blade.
What are the treatment options for trapped nerves?
Treatment depends on the cause of the trapped nerve, however usually manual therapy such as osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy or massage can help to reduce the pressure on the nerve. Your GP may prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication. Patients rarely require surgery for trapped nerves. A detailed examination carried out by an Osteopath, Chiropractor or physiotherapist is required in the first instance to determine the underlying root cause of the problem.
