What you need to know about nerve entrapment
What is nerve pinching?
Pinched nerves are a particularly common musculoskeletal condition. It is when a particular nerve fibre is put under pressure by other segments around it (bones, ligaments, joints, etc.). The pressurised nerve then becomes “pinched” and inflamed.
Dr. Dóra Mihola
Rheumatologist specialist
What causes nerve entrapment?
There are many possible causes of nerve entrapment. Often a sudden wrong move causes the segments to move and the nerve to pinch. This sudden pain is typically felt in the lower back, i.e. the lower part of the spine, and can be accompanied by severe restriction of movement. This is also known as Lumbagoor witch-shot in Hungarian.
However, nerve entrapment can be caused by a slowly developing problem. Most of the time it is a background problem caused by prolonged overstrain, resulting in nerve pinching. Overuse can be caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting, repetitive monotonous movements, etc. It is very important to identify the underlying cause, as it is not possible to treat the nerve problem permanently as long as the underlying problem persists. Most often disc wear, disc herniation, slipped disc, or spinal stenosis but it can also be caused by chronic inflammatory, autoimmune or cancerous diseases.
Where can a nerve pinch develop?
Pinched nerves are most commonly found along the spine, but are not uncommon in other parts of the body. A lumbar spine, so the waist is one of the most stressed parts of our body. It is no wonder that many complaints can occur in this area. The nerve pinching is in the lumbar region there is a high chance of the sciatic nerve being affected, in which case isias is formed. The neck is second only to the waist in terms of the frequency of nerve pinching. Cervical occurrence pain radiating into the shoulders and arms, but also tinnitus and dizziness.
A specific form of nerve entrapment is tunnel syndrome, which is typically the on the wrist occurs, but may develop in the at the elbow, and also in the shoulder. In the case of pelvic bone injuries, the so-called. piriformis syndrome, which affects the nerve running along the upper thigh and is accompanied by painful spasms of radiating muscle.
What are the symptoms of nerve entrapment?
The main symptom of nerve entrapment is sharp, radiating pain. It can be so severe that it makes movement almost impossible, but other times it can be less severe. In addition to the pain tingling, burning, numbness can occur in the area of the pinched nerve, mostly in the limbs. A common accompanying symptom is muscle weakness and sensory disturbance.
For spinal nerve entrapment occur difficulty passing or retaining urine or faeces, and in severe cases paralysis. These symptoms should be reported to a specialist immediately, as they are an indication for surgery!
Tunnel syndrome is a specific symptom of pain and numbness at night and is so strong that it wakes the patient up. For piriformis syndrome and strong around the thigh muscle spasm may accompany nerve entrapment.
When should you see a doctor for a nerve pinch?
Nerve pinching should not be taken lightly. It can be the cause of a serious problem, so be sure to consult a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist in the following cases:
- She is in a lot of pain, which makes her unable to move.
- Numbness, numbness, tenderness, radiating pain that does not subside after a few days of rest or exercise.
- For recurrent nerve entrapment.
- In case of urination or defecation problems (S.O.S!)
- In case of paralysis (S.O.S!)
- Known cancer.
- For osteoporosis.
Is the health of your spine important to you?
Want to avoid painful back problems?
BMM's team of specialists can help!
Free video series
We've put together a selection of useful tips, information and videos that we're now giving you for FREE! Enter your name and email address in the form below and we'll send you an email every day for the next week with details of the GERINVESTION STUDY-COMMAG compiled by our musculoskeletal experts! Content of the first letter: 6 good tips against back pain.
Dr. Éva Bordán
Rheumatologist general practitioner
Diagnosis of nerve entrapment
Investigating and treating nerve entrapment rheumatologist and orthopaedist by medical specialists. At the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic we have developed a special patient journey protocol for thorough investigation and effective, targeted therapies to ensure.
Our mission is to help our patients regain their freedom of movement as soon as possible, and to permanently and long term relief from painful complaints.
Building blocks for a successful investigation based on the BMM patient journey protocol:
- A medical history accurate diagnosis: many diseases can be excluded or even suspected by detailed questioning.
- In-depth a specialist physical examination. The physical examination includes a movement test and a palpation test. Based on these, a specialist will determine the need for any diagnostic imaging tests:
- X-rays bony lesions can be confirmed by examination. X-rays are usually taken of the spine, hip joints, knees and feet. This is often necessary for isolating diagnostic purposes.
- The condition of the soft tissues, discs, articular cartilage, muscles and tendons is accurately assessed by the radiograph.
- In some cases, a CT (computer tomography) scan or a CT scan can be used to make an accurate diagnosis. MRI (magnetic resonance) scanning is also required.
- Nerve involvement neurophysiological testing to determine the extent of suspected nerve damage, ENG or EMG needed.
Diagnostic imaging tests can help to visualise and measure anatomical structural changes and reveal the true cause of the complaint.
Neuroconductive neurophysiological examinations (ENG/EMG) are available at BMM's clinics in Pest and Óbuda. The necessary X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI tests by our partner institutions off-site, are provided for an extra fee.
On the basis of the tests, the specialist will set up a diagnosis and personalised treatment plan suggests. In our private practices, we also offer a wide range of treatments including injections, prescriptions, physiotherapy (physiotherapy, manual therapy), therapeutic massage and physiotherapy. We accompany our patients all the way to recovery!
The key to success is doctor-patient cooperation and trust!
Treatment options for nerve entrapment
The effective treatment for nerve entrapment is determined by several factors:
- Location of the nerve pinch
- Duration of the nerve entrapment
- Presence and quality of accompanying symptoms
- The cause of nerve entrapment.
The most common site of nerve entrapment is the cervical or lumbar spine. When a sharp pain indicating a pinch occurs, the first step is to rest recommended. If the pain allows movement, in addition to unloading gentle walking and special stretching exercise regular exercise is also recommended. If the pain does not subside or returns and there are accompanying symptoms, rheumatologist or an orthopaedic specialist who can recommend targeted treatment. Based on the symptoms and the underlying cause medication, injection therapy, physiotherapy and special physiotherapy can be combined. In some cases, however, surgery is an option (e.g. a ruptured disc herniation, a tumour), which requires the involvement of a neurosurgeon.
Tunnel syndrome a combination of physiotherapy and physical therapy can improve the condition, but in most cases surgery is required for a full recovery. Depending on the location of the problem, surgery may be a hand surgeon or orthopaedic surgeon by a specialist.
Piriformis syndrome the special physiotherapy, therapeutic massage and physiotherapy treatments, or a combination of anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants, usually provide a lasting solution.
Our spine specialists
Dr Katalin Bán
Rheumatologist specialist
Dr. Flórián Szeles
Rheumatologist general practitioner
Dr. Gréta Sterba
Rheumatologist specialist
Dr. Bence Moravcsik
Orthopaedic traumatologist