Nerve Impingement
NERVE IMPINGEMENT
A pinched nerve is a common and painful condition, where a nerve is irritated by the chemical or mechanical effects of inflamed tissue in the area surrounding the pinched nerve. Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to pinched nerves because of the way the bones and muscles sit in relation to the nerves.
Parts of the upper body for pinched nerves producing arm pain include:
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Wrist (e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
Parts of the lower body for pinched nerves producing leg pain include:
- Lower back (e.g sciatica)
- Hip
- Lower Leg (e.g Compartment Syndrome)
- Foot
Symptoms of a pinched nerve can range from muscle weakness and mild tingling to severe and unrelenting pain, and commonly affect the body with stiffness, radiating pain, tingling, numbness and weakness.
There are many injuries and disorders that can cause a ‘pinched nerve’ or nerve damage. Our osteopaths will take you through the relevant examinations and may request imaging investigations such as x-ray, MRI or ultrasound to determine the exact diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan will be developed to reduce your pain and discomfort and assist to prevent a recurrence of the injury. Osteopathic treatment may involve:
- Soft tissue massage therapy
- Stretching of tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Mobilisation, articulation and/or manipulation of the problematic area