Nerve Compression Syndrome: Diagnosis, Symptoms, & Treatment

Nerve compression syndrome, also known as nerve entrapment syndrome, occurs when your nerves are compressed or put under pressure. There are several categories of nerve entrapment, including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Radial tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

These syndromes usually result from repetitive injuries, but accidents like sprains or fractures can also lead to nerve compression syndrome.

What Are the Symptoms of Nerve Compressions Syndrome?

Symptoms for nerve compression syndrome vary depending on where the affected area is on the body. However, most symptoms tend to appear gradually. You may experience them after a period of extended use or when you participate in activities that engage the nerves. You also might feel this discomfort at the site of the nerve compression or in the surrounding muscles.

Here are some common symptoms of nerve compression:

• Pain, redness, and swelling at the location of compression
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling sensations
• Difficulty grasping or holding items
• Limited flexibility
• Numbness
• Neuropathy (nerve damage resulting in the weakness or numbness in the hands or feet)

How is Nerve Compression Syndrome Diagnosed?

If you or your doctor suspect you may have nerve compression syndrome, physical therapy is often recommended. At AllCure, we can complete a physical exam to determine the severity of the syndrome. For example, you might need to lift a limb or try and hold onto an object. If our initial exam suggests there is a problem, then we use one of the following tests to further investigate your nerve issue:

• Nerve conduction test
• Electromyography (EMG)
• MRI
• Neuromuscular ultrasound
• X-ray

Unlike other physical therapy offices, we can perform most of these tests at our office, including x-rays and ultrasounds, so you don’t have to travel back and forth between facilities.

What is the Treatment for Nerve Compression Syndrome?

Most nerve compression syndromes improve with non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy. Other recommend treatments include:

• Physical or occupational therapy to improve the range of motion, strength, or flexibility of the affected area
• Adopting ergonomic workstations
• Using splints and braces to support the site of nerve compression
• Steroid injections for pain management

If non-surgical treatment fails to provide relief, surgery may be the next best option. The surgical procedure depends on the type of nerve compression you have. For example, If it’s due to the growth of a tumor or cyst, then surgery may help to remove the issue and provide relief. Likely after surgery is performed, your doctor will recommend physical therapy to help with a speedy recovery.

Find Relief for Nerve Compression Syndrome at AllCure

If you’re currently experiencing pain from what you suspect is nerve compression syndrome, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Seek help from your local physical therapists here at AllCure. We can help you locate the source of your nerve issues and develop a recovery plan that fits your lifestyle. Contact us online to learn more about our services and how you can benefit.