Nerve Compression: What is it?
As the pairs of nerve roots leave the cervical spine (neck), they can become subject to injury either as a result of physical restriction or chemical irritation.
In the vast majority of cases, this is due to a prolapsed disc and sometimes bony growths from degenerative joints, known as osteophytes, which may be present in degenerative or arthritic spines. Nerves can also be irritated away from the spine. These are known as peripheral entrapments.
Nerve Compression: Symptoms
In medical terms, referred pain in the limbs from a trapped nerve in the spine is defined as radicular pain. If a nerve root in the neck is being irritated, it can cause pain referral into the upper limb (arms and hands) and, if it is in the lower back, it can cause referral into the lower limb (leg and foot).
Radicular pain can vary in both quality and intensity, but generally speaking, it is described as constant, dull “toothache” type pain. The pain distribution is often specific and dependent on which nerve root is being irritated.
Along with radicular pain, a trapped nerve in the neck can also cause additional symptoms to be reported by the patient, such as:
- Pins and needles/tingling/numbness: these changes in sensation are also known as paraesthesias. The nerve roots serve certain areas of the skin, known as dermatomes.
- Loss of strength: when the nerve is being compressed, there can also be a very specific loss of strength in the muscles that it serves, known as myotomes.
Content note: The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered a replacement for a full medical examination. Furthermore, we do not purport to treat all the conditions listed. Should you wish to discuss any of these conditions with our chiropractors please do not hesitate to contact us.
Book an appointment with Bodymotion today
Our team of chiropractors and massage therapists are on hand to answer any questions you may have, so get in touch today via enquiries@body-motion.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7374 2272.