Nerve Compression

Nerve compression is a medical syndrome that develops when nerves are pinched (or compressed) and restricted. This occurs for a variety of reasons, from trauma or injury to repeated or overuse activity.

Nerve entrapment syndrome:
Entrapment neuropathy
Compression neuropathy

Nerve compression impairs the nerve’s ability to do its job: sending and receiving messages from the brain. This is due to the effect of the nerve condition, which can include swelling, reduced blood flow and damage to surrounding structures.

Types of Nerve Compression
Peripheral neuropathies are relatively common clinical disorders. The peripheral nervous system is a network of 43 pairs of motor and sensory nerves that connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the entire human body.

Although nerves can be affected anywhere along their pathway and nerve compression can occur in nerves in the trunk, limbs and extremities, peripheral nerve compression more often occurs in specific locations, most likely where the nerves pass through a narrow tunnel.

The most common types of nerve compression are:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (carpal nerve compression in the wrist)
Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression at the elbow)
Herniated disc (in the spine)
Peroneal nerve compression (in the knee)

More rare types of nerve compression include
Suprascapular nerve compression (in the shoulder)
Ulnar tunnel syndrome (in the wrist)
Radial nerve compression syndrome (in the arm)
Meralgia paresthetica (compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve affecting the skin of the thigh)

Symptoms
The symptoms of a pinched nerve are variable. For some, pain is the only symptom. Others may be painless, but experience any of the common symptoms listed below.The pain is usually in the area of the pinched nerve, possibly radiating outwards.The pain may be sharp or burning.

There may be a “pinprick” (paresthesia) or tingling sensation. Muscle weakness, especially due to reduced activity involving the affected nerve Numbness, especially in the hands or feet There are various causes of nerve compression. It can be caused by trauma, such as a sprain or bone fracture, but is usually caused by repetitive or overuse activities.

Tasks at work or sports are examples. Even pregnancy, which causes swelling of the extremities, can cause pinched nerves. There is also a correlation with heredity; a person is more susceptible if they have a family member with a condition that predisposes them to pinched nerves.

Here are some conditions that can cause nerve compression:
Diabetes
Tumors or cysts
Autoimmune disorders
High blood pressure
Cancer or cancer treatments
obesity
neurological disorders
Pregnancy
Birth defects
Thyroid Disorders

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a pinched nerve begins with a review of symptoms, such as the patient’s experience of pain, tingling, numbness or other signs. A general background review of other medical conditions and habits can also provide useful information to identify the affected nerves.

Physical tests during an examination include testing muscle strength and sensation. Following the physical examination, additional tests may be prescribed. If an injury to the spine or arthritis is suspected, an X-ray is taken. CT or MRI can reveal a pinched nerve and provide useful information to determine surgical treatment.

One of the most common tests performed is electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study. This test measures the speed of the nerve impulse in motion and thus assesses the function of the nerve.

Treatment
Nerve compression surgery was first performed more than a century ago. Today, among neurosurgeons, nerve entrapment treatment is an important part of their job requirements.

All non-operative options should be tried before surgery is considered. It is vital that a pinched nerve is evaluated and treated as soon as possible. The earlier the treatment, the better the chance of preventing permanent nerve damage.

Treatments include:
Medication – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); oral corticosteroids splints
Steroid injections
Physical Therapy
Surgery