Nerve pain can disrupt every aspect of daily living, from simple movements to complex tasks. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we understand the debilitating effects of nerve pain and are committed to providing our patients with holistic, nonsurgical solutions. That’s one of the reasons we are thrilled to now have Dr. Chator onboard as the newest member of our team. He comes to us with advanced knowledge of nerve entrapment and electrodiagnostics that help our patients reclaim their lives.
What Is Nerve Entrapment?
Nerve entrapment occurs when a nerve is compressed or trapped by surrounding tissues such as bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage. This compression can affect the nerve’s ability to transmit signals effectively. Nerve entrapment can occur in various parts of the body, including the spine, wrists, elbows, and feet, and is often intrusive and difficult to manage.
Where on the Body Do Pinched Nerves Occur?
Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body, but they’re most common in the spine, leading to conditions like sciatica. They also often occur in the neck (cervical radiculopathy), the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), and the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome).
Causes of Nerve Entrapments
Individuals who are obese or have poor posture are at greater risk of suffering nerve entrapments. In most cases, injuries or medical conditions that result in inflammation are a major factor. The primary causes of nerve entrapment include:
Repetitive Movements
Occupations or recreational activities that require persistent use of the same body parts make nerve entrapment more likely since, over time, these repetitive movements cause inflammation and swelling. Depending on which body parts are in use, repetitive motions can lead to pinched nerves in the neck (carpal tunnel syndrome), the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), or the neck (cervical radiculopathy).
Traumatic Injuries
Tauma due to falls, traffic accidents or sports injuries can result in nerve entrapment. Such injuries may cause immediate nerve compression or lead to scar tissue formation, which can compress nerves over time.
Anatomical Variations
Some individuals are born with anatomical differences that predispose them to nerve entrapment. For instance, having an extra rib or an unusually shaped or placed bone can increase the likelihood of nerve compression.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone spurs or herniated discs can increase the risk of nerve entrapment because these conditions often cause inflammation or swelling.
Symptoms of Nerve Entrapment
The symptoms of nerve entrapment can vary based on the location and severity of
the compression. These symptoms, all of which can affect mobility and coordination, include:
Pain
Nerve pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain like an electrical shock. This pain may be localized or radiate along the nerve’s path.
Numbness and Tingling
Patients frequently report sensations of numbness or tingling (pins and needles), particularly in the extremities. These can interfere with everyday activities and reduce overall dexterity. The decrease in sensation along the path of the affected nerve can lead to difficulties in performing tasks that require fine motor skills.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness, especially in areas distal to the entrapment site, is a common symptom. This weakness can affect grip strength, ability to hold and carry, and overall function.
Diagnosing Nerve Entrapment
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we know that accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Our methods of diagnosing nerve entrapment include:
- Taking a complete medical history to understand any pre-existing conditions.
- Performing a physical examination to determine which nerve is affected and how serious the damage may be.
- Administering electromyography (EMG) and a nerve conduction study to help pinpoint the location and extent of the entrapment.
- Administering imagining studies, typically an MRI scan and an ultrasound, to obtain detailed images of the structures surrounding the affected nerve.
- These images will help us identify physical abnormalities that may be causing the entrapment.
The Many Ways Our Physiatrists Treat Nerve Entrapment
We use both traditional and complementary therapies, often in combination, to bring our patients maximum pain relief and restore mobility as quickly as possible. Our treatment plans may include:
- Personalized physical therapy to strengthen muscles in the area, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
- Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice that reduces pain and inflammation by increasing circulation and stimulating the release of endorphins.
- Medications, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and neuropathic painkillers to reduce pain and inflammation.Â
- Corticosteroid injections or nerve blocks to provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation.
- Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation and muscle function.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate healing.
- Prolotherapy, a relatively new form of regenerative therapy that works to reduce pain and promote healing through injections.
- Lifestyle Modifications, including weight management, regular exercise, and
ergonomic adjustments at work and home, to improve general health.
Contact Our Highly Skilled, Experienced Physiatrists Now
Nerve entrapment can feel like a form of imprisonment, not only preventing you from participating in activities you enjoy but also keeping you from meeting your responsibilities.Â
If you are suffering from nerve pain, make an appointment with Dr. Chator or one of our other well-respected doctors to find out whether nerve entrapment is the problem.Â
If it is, you can count on our compassionate team to provide you with a treatment plan customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. As soon as you become a patient of Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we will do everything possible to help you recover quickly and begin enjoying your life again.