Pinched Nerve Treatment In Langley

Nerve impingement, or a pinched nerve or nerve compression syndrome, occurs when surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons apply excessive pressure to a nerve. This pressure can cause pain, tingling sensation, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.

Physiotherapy helps treat pinched nerve in the neck and back by reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing further nerve damage and muscle atrophy. At Opal Physio, we have physiotherapy treatments available for managing nerve impingement symptoms.

Pinched Nerve Treatment

Understanding pinched nerve

Pinched nerves can occur in various body parts, but it’s most common in the spine, particularly in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) and lower back (lumbar radiculopathy). Other common sites include the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) and elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome).

Symptoms of pinched nerve may include:

  • Burning or aching pain
  • Numbness or reduced sensation
  • Tingling or pins and needles sensation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Reduced range of motion

Causes of nerve impingement:

Pinched Nerve Treatment in Langley

Physiotherapy assessment for pinched nerve

Before beginning the treatment, a physiotherapist will thoroughly assess the cause and understand the severity of the impingement. This assessment may include:

  • Detailed medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Range of motion tests
  • Muscle strength assessment
  • Neurological tests
  • Postural assessment

Based on the assessment findings, the physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan specific to the patient’s symptoms and goals.

Physiotherapy treatment approaches for nerve impingement

Manual therapy techniques

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach that can help alleviate pressure on the affected nerve and progress overall function. Techniques may include:

  • Soft tissue massage: Helps reduce muscle tension and improve circulation around the affected area.
  • Joint mobilization: Gentle movements are applied to joints to improve mobility and reduce nerve pressure.

Therapeutic exercises

A tailored exercise program is essential for treating nerve impingement. Exercises may be focused on:

  • Stretching: Gentle stretches can help improve flexibility and reduce tension in muscles surrounding the affected nerve.
  • Strengthening: Specific exercises are provided to strengthen muscles that support the affected area, improving posture and reducing pressure on the nerve.
  • Core stabilization Exercises: These exercises help improve core strength, which is essential for maintaining proper posture and reducing stress on the spine.
  • Nerve gliding exercises: Specific movements are provided to improve nerve mobility and reduce irritation and pain.
  • McKenzie exercises for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy.

Postural education and ergonomic advice

Proper posture and ergonomics are essential in preventing and managing pinched nerves. Physiotherapists will provide guidance with

  • Correct sitting and standing postures
  • Appropriate lifting and carrying techniques
  • Workstation and ergonomics advice
  • Sleep positions to reduce nerve pressure
  • Education on avoiding movements that exacerbate nerve impingement and pain.
Pinched Nerve Physiotherapy Treatment

Modalities for pinched nerve pain management

Various modalities may be used to help manage pain and promote healing:

  • Ultrasound therapy: Applies sound waves to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Heat and cold therapy: Alternating heat and cold can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Cold laser therapy: may help reduce pain and inflammation in some cases of pinched nerve.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.

Taping and Bracing

In some cases, taping techniques or braces may be used to:

  • Support the affected area
  • Improve posture
  • Reduce pressure on the impinged nerve

Education and self-management strategies

Physiotherapists provide patients with education and tools for self-management to reduce the pinched nerve, including:

  • Understanding the condition and its causes
  • Self pain management techniques
  • Home exercise programs
  • Lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence

Treatment progression

The treatment plan for nerve impingement typically progresses through several stages:

  1. Acute phase: Focus is on pain management and gentle exercises to maintain mobility.
  2. Sub-acute phase: Gradually increase exercise intensity and introduce more manual therapy techniques.
  3. Rehabilitation phase: Emphasis on strengthening exercises and functional activities.
  4. Maintenance phase: Ongoing exercises and strategies to prevent recurrence.

Duration and frequency of treatment for pinched nerve

The duration and frequency of physiotherapy treatment for nerve impingement can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors. Typically, patients may require:

  • 2-3 sessions per week in the initial stages
  • Gradually decreasing frequency as symptoms improve
  • A total treatment duration of 6-12 weeks will be necessary, or longer in some cases

Importance of consistency and compliance

Successful treatment of nerve impingement requires active participation from the patient. Consistency in attending physiotherapy sessions and compliance with prescribed home exercises and lifestyle modifications are crucial for optimal outcomes.

When to seek medical attention

While physiotherapy can effectively treat many cases of nerve impingement, there are situations where additional medical intervention may be necessary. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Significant muscle weakness
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness in the genital area

In some cases, nerve impingement may require surgical intervention if conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief.

Nerve impingement physiotherapy treatment in Langley

At Opal Physio, we offer treatment for pinched nerves in Langley. Our non-invasive physiotherapy techniques help alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence.

We combine manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, pain management modalities, and patient education to help reduce pain and nerve impingement. We also help patients manage their condition effectively and return to normal activities. With proper treatment and self-management strategies, most patients with pinched nerves can expect significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.