Nerve Compression: What is Good for Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression refers to increased pressure on a nerve for various reasons. This condition can affect the hands, arms, legs or various parts of the body. If you apply to healthcare institutions with a complaint of nerve compression, physicians may describe this situation as nerve compression or entrapment. The underlying mechanism in the development of this condition is that the tissues around the nerve create extra pressure on the nerve for various reasons. It should not be forgotten that the symptoms resulting from this condition, which occurs in many parts of the body, may vary depending on the affected nerve. You can follow the rest of the article to get detailed information about what nerve compression means and other situations that occur in these compressions.

What is Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression can be defined as a nerve being exposed to pressure due to surrounding tissue elements such as muscle, at a level that impairs its functions. This compression may directly affect the nerves coming out of the spinal cord, or it may also affect the nerve sections in the limbs, causing complaints such as pain, tingling, loss of sensation, numbness and weakness. Arthritis (joint inflammation) and trauma are the main causes of nerve compression. Although nerve compression is usually a temporary condition, care should be taken as it may have a more severe course in some people.

What are the Types of Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression is divided into various subtypes. These conditions, called nerve entrapment syndrome, occur when some specific peripheral nerves are affected. Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome are among the most common nerve compression syndromes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most commonly detected nerve compression. This nerve structure, which is affected in carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the structure called median nerve in the wrist region is affected, starts from the upper arm and extends to the thumb. In the wrist area, it passes through an anatomical structure called the carpal tunnel, and changes here may result in nerve compression in the wrist. If the pressure on the canal increases due to edema or other reasons in the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome may occur and nerve compression in the hand may occur.

In cubital tunnel syndrome, which is the second most common nerve compression, the area where the nerve is compressed is around the elbow. This condition, also called ulnar neuropathy (nerve compression at the elbow), occurs when the ulnar nerve is under too much pressure. The ulnar nerve follows a course very close to the surface in the elbow area. Therefore, in cases where pressure on the elbow area increases, there may be an increased risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome.

Apart from these common nerve compression syndromes, nerve compression syndromes may also occur in the nerves passing through tunnel-like structures in various other parts of the body. Suprascapular nerve compression affecting the shoulder area (nerve compression in the shoulder), Guyon canal syndrome affecting various hand functions, and meralgia paresthetica (nerve compression in the leg) affecting the front and outer thighs are examples of other types of nerve compression.

What are the symptoms of nerve compression?

Every nerve in the body is involved in the control of anatomical and physiological functions in various regions and the perception of sensations in these regions. When any entrapment occurs in the nerves that perform these functions on the skin surface and musculoskeletal system, abnormal electrical responses may occur instead of normal nerve functions. The symptoms that arise due to this can be listed as follows:

• Burning sensation in the affected area,
• A tingling condition that can feel like a mild electric shock,
• Pain radiating from the pinched nerve to its surroundings,
• There is an area of ​​loss of sensation on the skin,
• Decrease or loss of skin sensations such as pain, temperature and touch,
• Development of weakness in the muscles in the affected area.

The complaints may sometimes not appear to be related to the area where the nerve is compressed. For example, it should not be forgotten that nerve compression in the neck can cause these complaints in the arm and elbow area. At the same time, nerve compressions are conditions that usually affect one side of the body. The resulting clinical pictures may vary between moderate and severe. Complaints that occur generally start at a moderate level and may fluctuate over time. The intensity of complaints is generally closely related to the person’s physical position. In some cases, various basic body functions may be negatively affected after nerve compression. Nerve compression cases that follow such a course generally indicate that there is an entrapment in the nerves in the lumbar region of the spinal cord. Care should be taken as affecting the nerves in this area may negatively affect bladder control, bowel movement regulation and sexual functions.

What Causes Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression is usually caused by repetitive trauma. This may be due to the person’s working life. For example, people who have professions that constantly strain their wrists, such as using the keyboard, mouse or playing the piano, may be prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Apart from occupational trauma, nerve compression may also occur as a result of injuries such as strain and fractures. In addition to these situations, people may be prone to nerve compression in the presence of various health problems:

• Diabetes,
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
• thyroid disorders,
• Hypertension (high blood pressure),
• Tumor and cyst structures,
• pregnancy or menopause,
• Obesity,
• Congenital (born) defects,
• Various nervous diseases.

All these conditions generally have some effects on the nerves. The main pathophysiological reasons for the emergence of nerve compression syndromes are disruption of blood flow in the vessels responsible for feeding the nerve and oxygen supply, edema in the nerve itself or in the surrounding tissues, damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve and is involved in the transmission of electrical impulses, or disorders in the structure of the nerve in general. creates mechanisms. With all these changes, some problems may arise in the nerve’s ability to carry or perceive electrical messages. Problems in perceiving the stimuli result in the person experiencing complaints such as pain, numbness and loss of function.

How to Treat Nerve Compression?

The treatment approach to nerve compression usually begins with non-invasive treatment methods such as various lifestyle changes. If there is another health problem underlying the nerve compression, this must first be taken under control in order to relieve the nerve compression. In some cases of severe nerve compression, surgical procedures may be used for treatment.

How is Nerve Compression Treated?

Treatment of nerve compression begins with preventing movements that cause complaints in the affected area. Changing working conditions or using more ergonomic tools are among the basic steps that can be taken in this context. In addition to lifestyle changes, it is very important to maintain the flexibility, strength and range of motion of the affected area with physical therapy practices. At the same time, splints used in accordance with the recommendations of physical therapists can facilitate the treatment process by preventing unnecessary strain on the affected area. Physicians may also prescribe various medications if deemed necessary in the treatment of nerve compression.

How is Nerve Compression Surgery?

Surgical treatment approach in nerve compression syndromes is generally used in patients who cannot get results with physical therapy. The content of the surgical method to be applied may vary depending on the region where the compressed nerve is located and which structures the nerve compression originates from.

What is Good for Nerve Compression?

Various applications performed with the knowledge and advice of physicians can benefit nerve compression:

• Applying cold to the affected area for 10-15 minutes,
• Avoiding actions that trigger complaints,
• Taking regular rest during work,
• Doing relaxation exercises,
• Keeping the affected area elevated and resting.

Which Doctor Should You See for Nerve Compression?

As nerve compression progresses, daily life can become challenging. If you observe the signs and symptoms of this condition, you can contact health institutions and get support from specialist physical therapy and rehabilitation physicians or orthopedic doctors.