Nerve entrapment is a medical condition where a nerve is compressed or pinched, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the area served by the nerve. This condition can occur in various parts of the body and is often caused by repetitive motions, poor posture, or other health conditions that lead to nerve compression.
One common example of nerve entrapment is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. It's frequently associated with repetitive activities like typing or any motions that involve prolonged wrist bending.
Another example is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, often experienced as a sensation of “falling asleep” in the ring and little fingers, particularly when the elbow is bent. This happens when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the arm, becomes compressed at the elbow or wrist.
It's also known as “cyclist's palsy” or “cell phone elbow” due to its common occurrence in cyclists and frequent phone users.
Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for nerve entrapment syndromes. We use a variety of techniques to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve. These can include spinal adjustments, which help to realign the vertebrae and reduce nerve pressure, and soft tissue therapy, which can help to release entrapped nerves.
We also advise on ergonomic changes and exercises that can help to prevent nerve entrapment from recurring.
In addition, we focus on holistic care, addressing not just the symptoms but the root cause of nerve entrapment. This approach can include lifestyle and dietary recommendations, posture correction, and exercises to strengthen supporting muscles.
By treating the whole patient, we aim to not only alleviate immediate discomfort but also prevent future occurrences of nerve entrapment. Give us a call today to get started.