From shooting pain to tingling sensations, numbness, or weakness, pinched nerves can cause a variety of symptoms that limit range of motion, impact mobility, and detract from the quality of life. If you or someone you love is currently living in pain or discomfort due to a pinched nerve, physical therapy could be the safe and effective treatment solution you’ve been seeking.
Physical therapy reduces pain, improves movement, and restores function through an individualized approach that combines targeted stretches and exercises, manual treatment techniques, and modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and more. It is widely accepted as one of the safest and most effective treatment options for pinched nerves and can have positive long-term impacts that help prevent future nerve irritation and compression.
At New Jersey Spine Institute, our world-class team of pain specialists frequently incorporates physical therapy into treatment plans for patients living with one or more pinched nerves. Below, we’ve taken a closer look at why:
What Is A Pinched Nerve?
Also referred to as nerve compression or radiculopathy, a pinched nerve occurs when abnormal pressure is placed on a nerve, impairing its function and leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the affected area. The condition can affect any nerve in the body, but is most common in the:
- Neck – A pinched nerve in the neck is known as cervical radiculopathy and is often associated with shooting pain, tingling, and numbness in the arms.
- Lower Back – A pinched nerve in the lower back is known as lumbar radiculopathy and is often associated with pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates down the legs (sciatica).
- Wrists – A pinched nerve in the wrist is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and is often associated with pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and fingers.
Pressure may be placed on nerves by bones, muscles, cartilage, or tendons. Medical conditions that commonly lead to nerve compression include:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Arthritis
- Repetitive stress/repetitive motions
- Remaining static in one position over time
- Trauma or injury
Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is considered to be one of the safest and most effective treatment options for pinched nerves. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials concluded that therapeutic exercise and manual therapy techniques effectively increase function and range of motion while decreasing levels of pain and disability in cases of cervical radiculopathy. In our extensive experience, the same can be said for nerve compression in other areas of the spine/body as well.
While every case is unique and the effectiveness of physical therapy for nerve compression is dependent on a variety of factors including the location, nature, and severity of the condition, this treatment approach is often successful due to its multifaceted nature. Physical therapy encompasses pain relief strategies but also aims to pinpoint and resolve the underlying causes of pain in order to prevent them from recurring again in the future.
Personalized physical therapy treatment for a pinched nerve may combine some or all of the following:
- Pain reduction techniques, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, or blue light therapy.
- Hands-on techniques (manual therapy), which may include massage, soft tissue mobilization, and more.
- Individualized mobility training may involve targeted stretches and/or specialized movements to increase range of motion, flexibility, balance, coordination, and pain-free function.
- Muscle strengthening exercises to support and protect the affected joint and nerve.
- Posture analysis and education to support improvements in posture that will help prevent future nerve issues.
- The development of a long-term prevention strategy that may include targeted exercise routines and lifestyle shifts such as diet changes, activity modifications, and more.
Safety Of Physical Therapy
One of the major benefits of physical therapy as a pinched nerve treatment option is its inherent safety. Nearly all patients can safely work with a trained physical therapist free of worry about the types of risks that may accompany other treatment options. Physical therapy is non-invasive, won’t cause any side effects, and can be tailored to the needs, abilities, and goals of each patient. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other surgical or non-surgical treatment methods.
Other Non-Surgical Methods
Surgery may be recommended for pinched nerves in severe cases. That being said, our experienced doctors at New Jersey Spine Institute are committed to exploring conservative treatment options whenever possible. In addition to physical therapy, these may include:
- Pain Medications – Prescription or over-the-counter pain relief may be recommended in combination with physical therapy.
- Injection Treatments – These may include steroid injections or other types of joint injections.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Rest, ice, and activity modification may all help mitigate pinched nerve symptoms.
Conclusion
To conclude, physical therapy is a safe pinched nerve treatment option that can effectively address the underlying cause of the condition and be tailored to the needs, pace, and goals of each patient.
Seeking a pinched nerve pain doctor in New Jersey? The highly qualified and experienced specialists at New Jersey Spine Institute are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about physical therapy and other pinched nerve treatments. We look forward to working with you!