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Nerve compression - symptoms, description and treatment

Revision

Obrázek : Útlak nervů (chronický)
Nerve compression - chronic

Do you often wake up with unpleasant sensations such as tingling or tingling ? Do you often feel a sharp pain during movement that may ease, but eventually attacks again? One of the causes may be nerve oppression. Sometimes we talk about a pinched nerve when it is an acute condition that causes significant symptoms, especially pain. The result is limitations in normal daily activities or disturbed sleep.

Find out exactly what nerve compression is, what helps nerve compression, and how it can be prevented. What can help with pain, swelling and inflammation? Read more here.

Pinched nerve - symptoms

  • 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]

Notice

Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis. Do not use this or any other article on the internet to make a diagnosis. Don’t put off seeing a doctor and address your condition early.

Description and causes of nerve compression

Skřípnutý nerv v rameni – bolest vede od páteře až k horním končetinám
Pinched nerve in the shoulder - pain runs from the spine to the upper limbs

Nerve pressure – what is it?

Nerve compression is a condition in which a nerve is compressed or strangled by surrounding structures such as bone, muscle, tendon or swelling. This compression can lead to pain, tingling, weakness or loss of sensation in the area supplied by the nerve. Nerve compression can occur in different parts of the body and the affected area becomes a source of pain or other discomfort. [2]

Causes of nerve compression

Útlak sedacího nervu může způsobit necitlivost dolních končetin
Oppression of the sciatic nerve can cause numbness in the lower limbs

Nerve compression occurs when a nerve is subjected to excessive pressure from surrounding tissues (bone, cartilage, muscle or tendon). Oppression can occur in many parts of the body – the most common include a pinched nerve in the lower back, a pinched nerve in the hip or general nerve root oppression.

Nerve pressure can be related to the following situations:

  • injuries,
  • long-term load with repetitive movements,
  • improper body position at work,
  • risky sports,
  • obesity,
  • certain diseases(e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation).

Nerve compression also occurs when an intervertebral disc is prolapsed or when bone growths form on joints affected by arthrosis. Growths may also appear on the spine. [3],[4]

Risk factors for nerve oppression

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]

Diagnostics

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]

Did you know ?

  • 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]

Complications of non-treatment

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.
Poškození nervu

Nerve damage

Atrofie svalů

Muscle atrophy

Ztráta citlivosti

Loss of sensitivity

Potíže s pohybem

Difficulty with movement

Notice

We recommend not to delay treatment of nerve compression

Do not delay treatment for nerve compression, and see a specialist if you have any health problems or doubts about your health. This will prevent unnecessary health complications.

Nerve pressure - treatment

Konzervativní léčba skřípnutého nervu zahrnuje fyzioterapii
Conservative treatment of a pinched nerve includes physiotherapy

Rest and conservative treatment are usually sufficient for patients to fully recover within days or weeks. If the oppression lasts only a short time, there are usually no long-term problems. Once the pressure on the nerve is relieved, its functionality is fully restored. If the nerve is pinched for a prolonged period of time, permanent changes and chronic pain can occur. [11]

The first recommendation for nerve compression is usually to keep the affected area at rest. Activities or movements that have caused distress and exacerbate the problem should be avoided.

Further action depends on the severity and cause of the oppression.

Medicines

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

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

These drugs relieve pain, inflammation and swelling.

Physiotherapy

v
An orthosis can temporarily relieve nerve compression pain

Physiotherapy helps to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the affected area. This helps to relieve the pressure on the nerve in question. The physiotherapist will also recommend suitable exercises for the home environment.

Braces and collars temporarily immobilise the problem area and facilitate its recovery. [12]

Massages relieve pain caused by pinched nerves and relax tight muscles. A gentle massage can have a better effect than an intense deep massage. [13]

If conservative treatment does not bring results and the problems are of a long-term nature, surgery may be the solution. Surgery is used, for example, in severe cases of intervertebral disc prolapse or carpal tunnel syndrome. [14]

Notice

Attention

Treatment for nerve compression can only be determined by your doctor after considering your overall health. Therefore, do not use this article as a guide to treatment, which can only be determined by a doctor.

Prevention

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]

Home treatment and self-medication

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]
Notice

Important cautions when dealing with nerve compression

Nerve compression can occur in various parts of the body when a nerve is subjected to excessive pressure from surrounding tissues.
Nerve compression is accompanied by pain, tingling or decreased sensitivity at the sites to which the affected nerve leads.
The treatment is mainly conservative – physiotherapy, pain and inflammation medication, orthoses or massage.
For long-term problems of a serious nature, surgical intervention may bring relief.

Summary and recommendations for dealing with nerve compression

1.

See a doctor

The treatment of nerve compression is always determined by a doctor based on a general examination, an assessment of your health and an accurate diagnosis.

2.

Causal treatment of nerve compression

After a general examination, your doctor will recommend treatment for the cause of the nerve compression. They will also advise you on possible lifestyle adjustments and the next course of action.

3.

Relieving pain, swelling and inflammation

Symptomatic treatment focuses on the manifestations or signs (symptoms) of the disease. Such treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and support comprehensive treatment during the course of the disease.

Sources, references and literature

[1] Stuart A. Pinched (Compressed) Nerve. WebMD, 13. October 2021. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/compressed-nerves

[2] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[3] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[4] Stuart A. Pinched (Compressed) Nerve. WebMD, 13. October 2021. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/compressed-nerves

[5]Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[6] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[7] Johnson J. How to treat a pinched nerve. Medical News Today, 11. April 2023. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320045

[8] Petrie T. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know. Verywell Health, 22. December 2022. Available at: verywellhealth.com/facts-about-carpal-tunnel-syndrome-5524726

[9] Sciatica: Of all the nerves. Harvard Health Publishing, 19. February 2016. Available at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/sciatica-of-all-the-nerve

[10] Pinched Nerves. Cleveland Clinic, 7. April 2020. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves

[11] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[12] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[13] Johnson J. How to treat a pinched nerve. Medical News Today, 11. April 2023. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320045

[14] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[15] Pinched nerve. Mayo Clinic, 22. January 2022. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746

[16] Johnson J. How to treat a pinched nerve. Medical News Today, 11. April 2023. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320045

[17] Johnson J. How to treat a pinched nerve. Medical News Today, 11. April 2023. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320045

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