Trapped Nerves
There can be many causes of a trapped nerve.
The actual term “trapped nerve” itself can often be misleading as to what is actually occurring when you experience symptoms. Nerves are extremely vulnerable and sensitive to interruption from the areas that surround them. Just like a hose pipe carrying water, pressure that impedes the flow of nerves can be very painful at the site of the impediment… and also painful in the area that nerve feeds. Irritation, inflammation and physical damage can all result in this aggravation, or ‘trapping’ of a nerve.
Common causes of trapped nerves are wide ranging…
- Spinal disc bulges
- Swelling & inflammation
- Muscle tightness
- Wear and tear
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone & joint aggravation
One very common mechanism for a nerve to get ‘trapped’ is due to swelling. When a structure close to a nerve gets inflamed and swells up, the space around the nerve closes up and starts to push on the nerve. The nerves are also prone to producing pain when irritated by the chemicals of inflammation, this is completely natural as it is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong in that area. The pain shooting away from the region is often secondary to the problem, therefore, appropriately treating the point at which the nerve is trapped or impeded is far and away the most important concern… ie getting to the root cause of the problem.
What to do if you have a Trapped Nerve
For relief, apply an ice pack (wrapped in a damp tea towel) where the pain from the trapped nerve is originating regularly and make sure you are keep the joint moving (see “Why I need to Ice?“). Avoid aggravating activities.
Get you out of pain…
Anyone who visits our clinic will always, above all else, receive a full and thorough assessment. Furthermore, we will give ou a clear and honest explanation as to what we believe is causing your pain and what the best course of action is to get things back on track. Our aim is to get you back to your best as quickly as possible, using specific mobilisations, gentle manipulation and a wide variety of soft tissue therapies. Dry needling is also used where appropriate. We will also always try to give you a summary of your initial visit so that you have a record to take home.
Keep you out of pain….
Our clinical team pride themselves on preventative care. We will always prescribe a completely personalised ‘home help’ program to ALL patients who visit the clinic. This is essential to make the best and most long lasting recovery. We aim to put you in control, so we can both achieve the most permanent solution possible! Call the clinic today on 01452309372 for an appointment or to chat with a member of the team.
