Physio Explains: Can A Physio Treat A Trapped Nerve?
Trapped nerves are a common issue for many people, and they can be difficult to live with as the pain can be constant and can make sleeping very difficult. Luckily there is treatment available from physiotherapists that may help relieve trapped nerves.
In this blog post, I am going to answer some common questions about trapped nerves, as well as give you an idea of what physio treatment may look like for someone suffering from trapped nerve pain.
Can A Physio Treat A Trapped Nerve?
A physio can treat a trapped nerve. Nerves most often get trapped or pinched at the level of the neck or at the level of the low back. Trapped nerves are most often caused by discs herniations, but trapped nerves can also be caused by other issues such as spinal stenosis.
Physiotherapy treatment for trapped nerves may include a combination of manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization/manipulation, soft tissue massage, and laser therapy. In addition to this, we may also use specific nerve gliding exercises or other exercises that may help reduce pain and improve function.
Is Physio Good For Nerve Pain?
Physio is often a sensible first option for nerve pain. Possible benefits of physiotherapy for a trapped nerve include:
– Pain relief
– Increased flexibility and mobility
– improved muscle strength/endurance around the affected area(s)
For many people, this helps them get back to their normal activities.
Can A Physio Treat Sciatica?
A physio can help treat sciatica which is often caused by an irritated or trapped nerve in the low back. Sciatica causes a lot of pain down one of your legs, which makes it difficult to sit or stand for long periods.
If trapped nerves in the low back and leg cause sciatica, physio treatment may help with pain relief and allowing you to return to normal function. The first step is always an assessment by one of our physiotherapists who can then determine the best course of treatment for you.
Can A Physio Treat Back Pain That’s Caused By Trapped Nerves?
Often, yes. It is common that back or neck pain can be caused by trapped nerves, but the good news is that this type of treatment may help to relieve trapped nerve symptoms, and may also help with pain coming from your back or neck.
Trapped nerves can cause significant pain and even numbness down the leg, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you are experiencing this type of symptom.
What Can I Do To Prevent Trapped Nerves?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent a trapped nerve, but a few simple things may help. If you work at a desk, try to take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch or walk around.
In addition to this, staying active with regular exercise, such as Pilates or yoga, is good for your back in general. I hope this blog post answered some common questions about trapped nerve symptoms and treatment options for physio. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out!
What Do To At Home To Relieve Nerve Pain?
Physio treatment may help with trapped nerves, but in addition to this, there are many different things you can do at home that will help relieve nerve pain. Some of these include:
- Stretches/exercises – gentle exercises such as calf or hamstring stretches, done regularly through the day if they feel comfortable.
- Reduce high-intensity activities – it is important to give yourself time off from activities that can cause trapped nerves, such as work or sport. This will help your body to rest and recover from any damage it may have caused in the affected area(s).
- Do low-intensity activities – for example taking a walk can help relieve leg pain associated with sciatica.
- Heat – many people find heat eases pain and muscle tension.
Exercise For A Trapped Nerve?
Staying gently active, with low-intensity exercise, is one of the most useful things you can do. This may be slightly more difficult for those with trapped nerves in their low back or leg, however, it may help.
Is Bad Posture The Cause A Trapped Nerve?
This is a question I get asked all the time in practice, and it is a very good question. Posture is rarely the whole story. It may be one factor, alongside others such as:
- Complications for surgery.
- Stress.
- Poor lifting biomechanics.
- Tight muscles.
Do I Need Surgery For A Trapped Nerve?
Surgery is usually only considered for trapped nerves if other forms of treatment have not helped, or sooner if there are serious or worsening symptoms. Your GP or consultant will advise.
Seek urgent medical care (GP, A&E, or call 112/999) if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or buttocks, progressive leg or arm weakness, or pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or breathlessness.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this blog, I hope you found it helpful and feel more informed in relation to trapped nerves and nerve pain. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!