What Are the Symptoms of 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. In case of applying to health institutions with the complaint of nerve compression, physicians may express 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 be noted that the symptoms resulting from this condition, which occurs in many parts of the body, may vary according to the affected nerve. You can follow the rest of the article to get detailed information about what nerve compression means and other conditions that occur in these compressions.

What is Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression cannot function due to tissue elements such as muscle around a nerve. It can be defined as exposure to pressure at a level that disrupts it. This compression state can directly affect the nerves coming out of the spinal cord, as well as affect the nerve parts 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, it should be noted that it may follow a more severe course in some people.

What are the Types of Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression is divided into various sub-types within itself. 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 common nerve compression. This nerve structure, which is affected in carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by the involvement of the median nerve in the wrist region, extends from the upper arm to the thumb. In the wrist region, it passes through an anatomical structure called the carpal tunnel, and changes here may result in nerve compression in the wrist. In case of increased pressure on the canal due to edema in the wrist or other reasons, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs and nerve compression in the hand condition may occur. 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 region. Therefore, in cases where the pressure in the elbow area increases, there may be an increased risk for the development of cubital tunnel syndrome. Suprascapular nerve compression affecting the shoulder region (nerve compression in the shoulder), Guyon's canal syndrome affecting various hand functions, meralgia paresthetica (nerve compression in the leg) in which the anterior and outer thighs are affected are examples of other types of nerve compression.

Nerve compression. What are the Symptoms?

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 showing these functions on the skin surface and musculoskeletal system, abnormal electrical responses may occur instead of normal nerve functions. Depending on this, symptoms can be listed as follows:

Burning sensation in the affected area,
Tingling condition that can be felt as a mild electric shock,
Pain spreading from the pinched nerve to the surrounding area ,
There is an area on the skin where there is loss of sensation,
Reduction or loss of skin sensations such as pain, temperature and touch,
Development of weakness in the muscles in the affected area.

Complaints may not appear to be related to the part where the nerve is pinched. For example, it should not be forgotten that nerve compressions in the neck may cause these complaints in the arm and elbow region. 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 levels. Complaints that occur usually start at a moderate level and may fluctuate over time. Chic The intensity of the verses is usually closely related to the physical position of the person. In some cases, various basic body functions may be adversely affected after nerve compression. Nerve entrapment cases that follow such a course generally indicate that there is a entrapment in the nerves in the lumbar region of the spinal cord. It should be noted that the nerves in this area may affect bladder control, regulation of bowel movements and sexual functions negatively. This may be due to the person's working life. For example, there may be a predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome in people with occupations that constantly force the wrist, such as using the keyboard, mouse or playing the piano. Apart from occupational traumas, nerve compression may occur as a result of injuries such as strain and fractures. In addition to these conditions, people may have a tendency to nerve compression in the presence of various health problems:

Diabetes,
Rhomatoid arthritis such as autoimmune diseases,
Thyroid disorders,
Hypertension (high blood pressure),
Tumor and cyst structures,
Pregnancy or menopause ,
Obesity,
Congenital (congenital) defects,
Various nerve diseases.

There are some effects it creates. Disruption of blood flow in the vessels responsible for feeding and oxygen support of the nerve, edema in the nerve itself or in its 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. With all these changes, some problems may occur in the nerve's carrying or perception of electrical messages. Problems in perceiving stimuli result in complaints such as pain, numbness and loss of function.

How Does Nerve Compression Work?

The treatment approach to nerve entrapment is generally a variety of lifestyle choices. It starts with non-invasive treatment methods such as If there is another health problem underlying the nerve entrapment, this situation must first be brought under control in order for the nerve entrapment to pass. In some severe nerve entrapment cases, surgical procedures can be applied for treatment.

How is the Treatment of Nerve Compression?

The treatment of nerve entrapment begins with the prevention of 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 together with physical therapy applications. At the same time, splints used in line with the recommendations of physical therapists can prevent unnecessary strain on the affected area and facilitate the treatment process. In the treatment of nerve entrapment, physicians can also refer to the prescription of various drugs if deemed necessary.

How is Nerve Compression Surgery?

Surgical treatment approach in nerve entrapment syndromes is generally used in patients whose results cannot be achieved with physical therapy. The content of the surgical method to be applied may vary depending on the region where the pinched nerve is located and from which structures the nerve compression originates. may benefit:
Applying cold application to the affected area for 10-15 minutes,
Avoiding movements that trigger complaints,
Regular rest during work,
Performing relaxation exercises
Keeping the affected area elevated and resting.

Which doctor to go to for nerve compression?

When nerve compression progresses, daily life can be challenging. If you observe the signs and symptoms of this situation in yourself, you can apply to health institutions and get support from specialist physical therapy and rehabilitation physicians or orthopedic doctors.

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