Nerve Compression Causing Chronic Pain? Try Physical Therapy
Have you been dealing with pain, numbness, and tingling for the last several months? This combination of symptoms often points to compressed nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Fortunately, physical therapy for chronic pain offers hope and relief for those dealing with long-term discomfort.
Nerve compression is one of the more common sources of chronic pain, which refers to any pain that persists for longer than three months. But what causes nerve compression? It can actually develop from various factors, including injuries, poor posture, or repetitive movements.
The personalized physical therapy programs at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy address all these issues with targeted treatments that reduce pressure on the nerves, enhance mobility, and strengthen supporting muscles. By focusing on the root cause of the pain, we can help you find lasting relief and prevent future problems.
Read on to discover the benefits of physical therapy for chronic pain and how it can transform your life.
The Connection Between Nerve Compression and Chronic Pain
Nerve compression occurs when surrounding tissues like muscles, bones, or tendons press on a nerve. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, and weakness–and if left unaddressed, it can easily become chronic.
Common Nerve Compression Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes entrapped in a bony structure in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in your hand and fingers. Repetitive motions, like typing or using a mouse, can contribute to this condition.
Sciatica
- Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down your legs. This condition can result in sharp pain, burning, or tingling along the nerve’s path. Common causes include lumbar herniated discs.
Herniated Discs
- A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing and presses on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in your extremities. Herniated lumbar discs can lead to sciatica, but herniated cervical discs are also common, causing nerve compression symptoms throughout the arms.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- This condition happens when the nerves between your collarbone and first rib become compressed, leading to shoulder and neck pain and numbness in your fingers. Poor posture or repetitive arm movements often contribute to this syndrome.
How Physical Therapy Helps You Find Chronic Pain Relief
Physical therapy addresses chronic pain caused by nerve compression by reducing pressure on the affected nerves and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Here are just a few of the techniques we use in our personalized treatment programs.
Physical Therapy Techniques for Chronic Pain Conditions
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues. This can help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow, easing pressure on compressed nerves.
Modalities
- Modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation can reduce pain and inflammation. These treatments provide immediate relief while you work on long-term solutions through exercise and posture correction.
Therapeutic Exercises
- We’ll show you specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the compressed nerve, improve flexibility, and correct posture. These exercises help support the affected area and prevent further compression.
Ergonomic Training
- We can provide you with personalized information about proper body mechanics and posture. By modifying daily activities that put strain on your nerves, you can prevent further compression.
Ready to Start Working on Resolving Your Chronic Pain?
If nerve compression is causing chronic pain, don’t wait to find relief! Physical therapy for chronic pain offers personalized solutions that address your specific condition and symptoms.
Schedule an appointment at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy’s Redondo Beach clinic today to get started.
