Condition
What is Trapped Nerve?
A trapped nerve occurs when nearby tissues—such as muscles, cartilage, tendons, or bone spurs – exert excessive pressure on a nerve, interfering with its function.
Symptoms and Characteristics
- Sensations: Tingling (prickling), numbness, or a sensation of a limb “falling asleep.”
- Pain Types: Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain that can radiate along the nerve pathway.
- Muscle Weakness: Decreased strength, making it hard to grip objects or causing a feeling that limbs are giving way.
- Location:
- Frequently experienced in the lower back (sciatica), neck (cervical radiculopathy), or wrists (carpal tunnel).
Physiotherapy aimed at alleviating a trapped nerve focuses on relieving pressure, minimising pain, and restoring mobility through various manual techniques, targeted exercises, and posture correction. Common treatments include spinal mobilisation, nerve glides, soft tissue manipulation, and ergonomic education to prevent re-injury.
Key Physiotherapy Treatments
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as massage, soft tissue release, and spinal manipulation help reduce muscle tension and enhance spinal mobility, creating more space for the nerve root.
- Targeted Exercises: Specific stretches and exercises are prescribed to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, thereby decreasing pressure on the nerve.
- Postural Training: Evaluating and correcting posture to relieve pressure on the spine and surrounding structures.
- Electrotherapy: Modalities like electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS) may be utilised to manage pain.
- Lifestyle Advice: Recommendations on ergonomic setups for work, sleeping positions, and ways to manage activity levels effectively.
