Pinched Nerve

John Miller Physiotherapist

Article by John Miller

What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding structures injure and compress a nerve. For instance, the sciatic nerve often gets pinched. This compression damages the nerve and triggers pain and other symptoms.

Commonly Pinched Nerves

Lower Back Pinched Nerve

In your lower back, a disc bulge, arthritis spur, or ligament swelling can pinch the sciatic nerve. This causes leg pain, often referred to as sciatica.

Nerve Compression in the Spinal Canal

Inside your spinal column, neural compression can occur from space occupying causes: eg disc bulge, spinal stenosis, inflammation or even tumours. This leads to various symptoms like nerve pain, sensory loss, and muscle weakness, disrupting normal nerve function.

Neck Pinched Nerve

Nerves in your neck also frequently get pinched. The medical term for a pinched nerve in the neck is cervical radiculopathy. This results in symptoms like arm pain and weakened reflexes. These symptoms can mimic other arm issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. In such cases, consult a qualified healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.

Peripheral Pinched Nerves

Nerves can get pinched anywhere in your body, often in restricted spaces like tunnels. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a classic example, involving a pinched nerve in your wrist’s front.

Diagnosing a Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve sends pain signals via spinal cord nerves to the brain. To identify the pinched nerve’s location, your doctor or physiotherapist will evaluate your symptoms. They might also suggest further tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies.

Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary widely. These include nerve pain, unusual sensations like pins and needles, muscle weakness, and reduced reflexes. In extreme cases, you might lose bladder or bowel control. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help urgently. The longer the nerve stays pinched, the worse the outcomes could be.

If you experience these symptoms, please consult your doctor or physiotherapist without delay.

John Miller Physiotherapist

Article by John Miller

What is Pain?

Introduction

Pain acts as a crucial alert system in your body, signalling when something is amiss. As physiotherapists, we understand pain not just as a symptom, but as a complex experience influenced by various physiological factors. This article, written from a physiotherapist's perspective, aims to demystify pain and offer insights into its management.

what is pain
What Is Pain? Pain Explained

Understanding Pain Signal Transmission

The journey of a pain signal begins at the site of injury or discomfort. Here, receptor nerve cells, including nociceptors, detect harmful stimuli. These receptors are sensitive to various types of damage, such as thermal (heat), mechanical (pressure or impact), and chemical changes.

Once stimulated, these receptors transmit signals via nerve fibres to the spinal cord and brain. The types of nerve fibres involved are crucial in determining the nature of the pain:

  • A-beta fibres: These large, myelinated fibres rapidly transmit sharp, well-localised pain.
  • A-delta fibres: Smaller but still myelinated, they convey acute pain.
  • C fibres: These small, unmyelinated fibres are responsible for dull, throbbing, and chronic pain sensations.

Nociceptors and Their Role in Pain

Nociceptors are specialised nerve cells that play a key role in pain perception. They are adept at picking up potential damage and efficiently communicating this information to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals, leading to the experience of pain.

Chronic Pain: Understanding the Long-term Impact

Chronic pain, lasting beyond the usual course of acute injury or illness, poses a significant challenge. It often involves complex interactions between physical and psychological factors. Recent research highlights the role of the brain in maintaining chronic pain, even in the absence of an identifiable physical cause.

Related article: Chronic Pain

Myelin Sheath: Speeding Up Pain Signals

The presence of a myelin sheath around a nerve fibre is crucial in determining the speed of pain signal transmission. Myelinated fibres (A-beta and A-delta) allow for faster communication compared to unmyelinated C fibres. This difference in speed can influence the type of pain experienced.

Physiotherapy Techniques for Pain Relief

Physiotherapists employ various methods to manage pain:

  • Manual therapy: Techniques such as massage and joint mobilisation can provide immediate pain relief.
  • Exercise therapy: Tailored exercises help in managing chronic pain by improving muscle strength and flexibility.
  • Pain Education: Understanding the biological, psychological, and social aspects of pain can help individuals manage their pain more effectively.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention that has proven effective in managing chronic pain. It's based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and changing negative thought patterns can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors.

What Causes Post-Exercise Muscular Pain?

Muscle soreness after exercise, often felt as a dull, aching pain, is commonly due to microscopic damage to muscle fibres and the surrounding tissues. This is a normal response and part of the muscle strengthening process.

The Brain's Role in Pain Perception

The brain plays a central role in interpreting pain signals. It integrates information from the body and can modulate the pain experience based on various factors, including emotional and psychological states.

Conclusion

Pain, a complex and subjective experience, involves intricate neurophysiological processes. Understanding these processes is crucial for effective pain management. Physiotherapy offers a range of techniques to alleviate pain, tailored to individual needs.

What to Do? Seeking Professional Advice

If you are experiencing persistent or unexplained pain, consulting a physiotherapist is a vital step. They can provide a comprehensive assessment, guidance, and a tailored treatment plan to manage your pain effectively.

For more detailed information and resources, visit our Pain Management section, a trusted source for physiotherapy insights and treatments.

Pain FAQs

TENS Machine FAQs

Navigating the world of TENS and EMS machines can be overwhelming with all the available options and information. Fortunately, our comprehensive TENS Machine FAQs are here to guide you through everything you need to know. Whether you're considering purchasing a TENS or EMS machine, seeking the best practices for electrode placements, or simply curious about the differences between these devices, this resource has got you covered.

We also discuss the intricacies of pain—what it is, why it occurs, and how these devices might offer relief. As with any medical device, it's crucial to read the label and follow the instruction manual carefully. For persistent symptoms or any concerns, always seek advice from a healthcare professional such as your physiotherapist or doctor. Let's explore these revolutionary devices and how they might contribute to managing pain and enhancing well-being.

General TENS & EMS Machine FAQs

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Pain FAQs

IMPORTANT

A TENS machine and an EMS machine are electronic medical devices. Always read the label and instruction manual. A TENS machine may assist you in modest short-term pain relief. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional before use and if symptoms persist. Use only as directed.

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