A pinched nerve occurred when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. The pressure may result from repetitive motions, or it may happen from holding your body in one position for long periods, such as keeping elbows bent while sleeping. Also, herniated discs might be a cause of nerve compression.
A pinched nerve can lead to inflammation, causing pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and body movement limitation. The pain can radiate to all the muscles and body structures that pinched nerve supplies.
If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there’s usually no permanent damage. Once the pressure is relieved, nerve function returns to normal. However, if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur.
Physical Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for the pinched nerve. The treatment is customized according to a patient’s condition and considering his weight, general health, and specific needs. Physical Therapy stretches and strengthens the muscles in the trouble area and helps the patient regain flexibility and mobility.
A physical therapist carefully designs the set of exercises for each patient. It’s essential to know which nerve is pinched for an effective treatment. Some activities can aggravate the condition; that’s why we recommend working with a professional physical therapist to prevent the possibility of permanent nerve damage.
Below are some actions you can take to prevent a pinched nerve:
- maintain good positioning
- stretching and flexibility exercises
- maintain a healthy weight
- do not keep one posture for a long time