Pinched Nerve – Causes and Treatment at Brunswick Heads Physio
If you’ve ever felt severe ongoing pain or numbness radiating from your neck to your arm or lower back to your leg, then there is a chance you may have a pinched nerve (we like to call it a radiculopathy, nerdy we know). It’s important to remember that most often, this injury improves with the right treatment, education, and time and rarely needs more drastic measures such as x-rays, MRIs, or surgery.
In this blog post, Brunswick Heads Physio will shed some light on the different symptoms and causes of a pinched nerve and give you some options for treatment.
Typical Symptoms of Trapped Nerve
- Acute sharp and shooting pain which may extend down a limb
- Reduced or altered sensation such as paraesthesia (pins & needles) or a burning sensation, or numbness down a limb
- Muscle Weakness
- Diminished Reflexes
The level of pain can vary from person to person and doesn’t necessarily correlate with the severity of the injury. So if you are in a lot of pain, it doesn’t mean there is extensive damage. It is important that you visit your physiotherapist or doctor as soon as possible, particularly if you notice numbness or muscle weakness, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes of Trapped Nerves
Trapped nerves can be caused by surrounding tissues pressing against the nerve causing irritation or compression. All of the below tissues can contribute towards the issue:
- Inflammation arising due to an injury
- Disc hernia/protrusion
- Muscles
- Ligaments
- Arthritic Spurs
To help reduce your risk you should also ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stretch regularly and take regular movement breaks when sitting for long periods.
Treatment for Pinched Nerves at Brunswick Heads Physio
If you believe you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, don’t panic. We deal with this issue on a regular basis and can confidently diagnose the affected nerve. Most people respond very well to physiotherapy, which may involve the following depending on your individual circumstances.
Soft Tissue Massages – aimed at reducing spasms and compression
Joint Mobilisation – helps to decrease joint stiffness and relieve pressure on the nerve
Muscle Strengthening – can help minimise the risk of recurrence by building up muscle strength
Acupuncture/Dry Needling – ideal for pain relief, this treatment will be applied to all problem areas
Posture Assessment and Correction – we can help you maintain good posture which will reduce your risk of developing trapped nerves
Contact Brunswick Heads Physio Today
If you are experiencing nerve pain or tingling, don’t brush it off as you could develop a permanent injury if left untreated. Give us a call at Brunswick Heads Physio and our friendly and experienced team will have you pain free and back to normal before you know it.
Call now on 0419 629 333, or make an online booking today.