Think You Have a Pinched Nerve? Let’s Break (and Beat) It Down!
What’s Really Going On With Your Pain and What You Can Do About It
Have you ever been told you have a “pinched nerve”? If so, you’re not alone! But what does that actually mean? Let’s dive into the facts to help you understand what’s happening and what might really be causing your pain.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
When doctors talk about a “pinched nerve,” they may use terms like:
Nerve compression - where a nerve is squeezed by surrounding tissues
Nerve entrapment - specifically describes a condition where a nerve is trapped within a fixed anatomical tunnel, often caused by surrounding ligaments, tendons, or bones, leading to chronic irritation and pain due to repetitive movement or pressure in that area
Radiculopathy - pain radiating from the a nerve root being compressed in your spine
Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system, the nerves responsible for sending messages between the central nervous system (CNS)—which is made up of the brain and spinal cord—and other parts of the body.
Neuropathic pain (nerve-related pain)
These words describe different ways a nerve might be irritated, compressed, or “trapped” by surrounding tissues.
A pinched nerve or compression/ entrapment is a very common cause of nerve pain or irritation (e.g.tingling, burning pains, numbness etc), which happens when nearby muscles, tendons, or bones press on the nerve, preventing it from moving freely but is often overlooked by the medical community.
Since they don’t have treatment techniques in their arsenal to relieve it, nor are there common, expensive tests that can be performed to identify it, nerve entrapment goes unrecognized.
The majority of nerve entrapment is caused by myofascial restrictions within the tissue, I will briefly explain what myofascial restrictions are.
There is a researcher at the National Institutes for Health, Jay P. Shah that has studied this myofascial restriction. He took hollowed out acupuncture needles and took biopsies of myofascially restricted muscle tissue as well as normal tissue in three groups of subjects: normal (no neck pain, no myofascial trigger points); latent (no neck pain, myofascial trigger points present); active (neck pain, MTrP present)
Is It Really Nerve Pain?
Here’s the tricky part: Not all pain that feels like a pinched nerve is actually coming from a nerve! While nerves are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain, the pain might actually be coming from tight muscles, inflamed connective tissues, or even joint issues. Since nerves carry all pain signals, it’s easy to assume the pain is coming directly from the nerve—but that’s not always true.
Why Does Pain Feel So Complicated?
Pain is hard to describe because it’s different for everyone. Is it sharp? Burning? Tingling? Achy? Words can only explain so much. That’s why finding the root cause of pain can sometimes feel like solving a mystery. Lucky you! The sleuths at TCPT&W are exceptional at solving body mysteries!!
What Can You Do?
If you think you have a pinched nerve—or pain that feels like one—the best step is to get an expert evaluation. A highly trained physical therapist can help pinpoint the source of your pain and create a plan to relieve it. I studied “Clinical Neurodynamics” with Dr. Michael Shacklock himself and also with Dr. Theresa Schmidt, a leading expert on nerve entrapment.
If you’re experiencing pain or altered sensations such as tingling or numbness, the Silan System techniques we use at Therapeutic Connection Physical Therapy and Wellness can provide powerful relief—sometimes immediately! Depending on your specific needs, relief may come from neural mobilization (which we’ll dive into in next week’s newsletter) or from a combination of approaches like massage, cupping, and more. Each technique is tailored to help you feel better and get back to living your life comfortably!
Let’s work together to find the answers and get you back to doing what you love!
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule your initial evaluation or wellness appointment today! Call or text 808-289-0601, or book online at www.therapeuticconnection.com. If you're reading this newsletter on my blog, just click the “Book Now” button at the top of the page to get started.
Not nearby? No problem! I also offer virtual sessions as part of my mission: “Wellness for the World”—healing the world, one body at a time. Let’s work together to help you feel your best!
Mahalo for reading! Your Body Will Thank You!