Nerve compression - symptoms, description and treatment

• Pain
• Armour
• Weakness
• Additional discomfort in the places to which the affected nerve leads.

The pain is sharp, burning or dull and may be accompanied by numbness in the hands or feet. Patients often describe this sensation as if their limbs are “not listening”. Difficulties may worsen with certain movements or activities, such as turning your head or stretching your back.

However, the lower limbs are not spared either, where the pain can shoot from the lower back (if it is a nerve oppression in the lumbar spine or sciatic nerve oppression).

Pain and numbness in the upper limbs, on the other hand, are among the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the cervical spine. ^[1]

Nerve pressure can affect anyone, especially in older age. However, nerve compression in the wrist area, specifically carpal tunnel syndrome, which belongs to the isthmus syndromes, affects women more often.

The following are also consideredrisk factors for nerve compression:

• diabetes,
• some monotonous jobs (for example, working on an assembly line),
• pregnancy,
• long-term bed rest,
• thyroid disease. ^[5]

Different procedures are used in the diagnosis.

• The basis is a physical examination, which may be supplemented by blood tests.
• Imaging methods such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound follow .
• Electromyography (EMG) – an examination of the electrical activity of muscles and nerves – is also helpful in making a diagnosis. ^[6]

If the symptoms of nerve compression do not subside after a few days of rest and do not respond to self-medication, you should see a doctor. Warning signs include difficulty grasping or holding objects in the hand and significant weakness of the limbs that prevents normal movement. ^[7]

• Nerve pressure in the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) affects 6 out of 100 people (men) and 9 out of 100 people (women). ^[8]
• Sciatica (sciatica), caused by oppression of the sciatic nerve, affects up to 40% of the population during their lifetime. ^[9]
• The likelihood of experiencing nerve compression increases after 50. year of age. ^[10]

Failure to treat nerve compression can lead to a number of complications:

• Permanent nerve damage: If a nerve is compressed for a prolonged period of time, permanent damage to the nerve fibers can occur, which can cause chronic pain, weakness, or loss of sensation.
• Muscle atrophy: If the nerve that supplies a particular muscle remains compressed, the muscle mass in the affected area may be weakened or lost.
• Loss of sensation: there may be a permanent loss of sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
• Complications associated with movement: Untreated nerve compression can affect the ability to move the affected area, which can lead to difficulty walking, grasping objects or other daily activities.

If it is necessary to take medication, it is usually:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• or corticosteroids.

These drugs relieve pain, inflammation and swelling.

The risk of nerve compression can be minimized by various measures.

• A pinched nerve between the ribs can be the result of improper posture. The upright position of the body should be thought of both standing and sitting.
• A pinched nerve in the back may be related to weakened back muscles. Regular muscle strengthening exercises have a very good effect in the long run.
• It is advisable to take regular breaks during activities that involve repetitive movements with unilateral loading. ^[15]
• Adhering to ergonomic principles protects the back, limbs and other parts of the body. Examples are an ergonomic keyboard and mouse or a properly positioned computer monitor. The height-adjustable chair or table offers many relief positions. ^[16]

In the home environment it is possible not only to take preventive measures, but also to try supportive “self-treatment” in case of difficulties.

• The combination of cold and warm compresses promotesblood circulation in the affected area and can relieve pain caused by nerve compression.
• Raising the legs at the knees relieves pressure on the spine, which helps with nerve compression in the back.
• Stretching exercises and yoga relieve muscle tension and pain.
• Good quality sleep contributes to the body’s recovery and can speed up the resolution of symptoms. ^[17]