Pinched Nerves are usually caused when nerves are compressed by a Bone, Muscle, or other Connective Tissues. This pressure can develop over time by poor posture or repetitive stress/strain injuries. It can also occur while playing a sport or being active and moving the wrong way or over lifting.
Sometimes it is caused by some sort of predisposed genetics. Another cause can be from over stress or overuse of some of the muscles in the body. According to Angela Smith, MD “there isn’t much you can do to protect yourself from this condition. It’s simply going to happen to some people.” Although it’s most common in the neck, back, and shoulders a pinched nerve can occur almost anywhere in the body and has different severity.
Nerves are most vulnerable at places in your body where they travel through narrow spaces but have little soft tissue to protect them. Nerve compression often occurs when the nerve is pressed between tissues such as Ligament, Tendon and Bone. If nerve compression lasts a long time, a protective barrier around the nerve may break down, Fluid may build up, which may cause Swelling, Extra pressure and Scarring.
When a nerve is pinched, its membrane is impacted, which causes the nerve to lose some of its ability to transmit electrical impulses from the brain. This may lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
The problems related to a pinched nerve may be worse when you’re sleeping. Many times, the pinched nerve will relieve itself with rest over time, but in some cases that can take a very long time. When suffering from pain, it can feel like a lifetime.
Frequently recommended treatment for Pinched Nerve is rest for the affected area. Doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint or brace to immobilize the area. If you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, doctor may recommend wearing a splint during the day as well as at night because wrists flex and extend frequently during sleep.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Oral Corticosteroids are used to reduce swelling and pain. Narcotics, Steroid injections are used for brief periods to reduce severe pain.
If the pinched nerve doesn’t improve after several weeks with conservative treatments, doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. Surgery may entail removing bone spurs or a part of a herniated disk in the spine.
Research has shown that Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation and helps reduce pain and pain intensity for a number of different conditions, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which also involves compressed or damaged nerves.
When a pinched nerve doesn’t go away no matter how many hot baths you take, it’s time to look into Therapeutic Massage Specialist. Unlike acupuncture, Deep-tissue Massage Therapy addresses the affected area directly by relaxing the tight muscles and resolving knots. On the other hand, the Trigger Point Massage Therapy acts similar to acupuncture by locating and stimulating trigger points inside muscles that trigger pain in other parts of the body.
A light to medium pressure massage such as a Swedish massage is ideal, and will help to loosen up connective tissues. A Thai massage may also be a good choice for a pinched nerve, depending on the amount of pain someone is in, but stretching and a medium pressure applied to the general area of the pinched nerve will help to give more specific relief.
Lymphatic drainage helps get rid off of the excess fluid and inflammation in the area thus bringing in better circulation and increased mobilization. Medical massage is a combination of all the above mentioned techniques and the practitioner applies the suitable technique depending on the condition, type and location of the pain you are experiencing.
