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What is Spinal Nerve Compression? and Why Should You Care?

 


There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves and they give sensation to the body. These nerves come from the brain and leaving the spinal canal through a small opening in the bony vertebrae that comprise the spinal column. In some condition, this opening becomes narrow and compress the nerves. This is called spinal nerve compression. Sometimes it is also called pinched spinal nerve. The individual with this condition feels pain, tingling, and numbness. 

What are the symptoms of spinal nerve compression?


  • Pain and soreness occur in the compressed area. 
  • Pain moving into the extremities. 
  • Stiffening of the neck or back. 
  • Tingling and numbness.
  • Weakening of muscles. 
  • Changes occur in gait.
  • Burning sensation.
  • Weakness occurs in the arms, hands, and legs. 
  • Frequently felt as if a foot or hand fell asleep. 
What are the causes of spinal nerve compression?

  • Structural malformation or deformity of spine inclusive of bone spurs.
  • A herniated disk, spinal arthritis, and degenerative disk disease may cause spinal nerve compression.  
  • Quick injury due to sports or an accident may cause a pinched nerve.
  • The repetitive movement works .i.e. prolong period of typing on a keyboard put stress on the wrist and hand. It can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome in which pressure is exerted on the median nerve. 
  • Obesity and pregnancy can put pressure on nerves.
  • Activities or occupations that chronically put a high degree of stress on the spinal column, including contact sports. 
What are the risk factors for spinal nerve compression?
These are some risk factors:

  • Those activities which put high stress on the spinal column .i.e. contact sports, twisting of the spine in the ballet, and jobs in which people do bending and heavy lifting have a high risk of developing spinal nerve compression. 
  • People with spinal arthritis, and bone spurs.
  • Wear and tear in the joint.
  • Any disease which affects the bones and joints. 
  • People with scoliosis and spine tumors. 
How to reduce the risk of spinal nerve compression?
The following ways will help you from compressing your spinal nerves:

  • Doing activities that put less or no stress on the spinal column. 
  • Exercise regularly so that muscles become strong and maintain good posture. 
  • Maintain a healthy weight. 
  • Follow safe lifting procedures and body mechanics.
  • Use protective equipment while climbing, both recreational and work-related. 
How to treat spinal nerve compression?
It can be treated with surgery or medical management (non-surgical). 

Non-surgical treatment:

Rest:


Pressure on the spinal nerve is often relieved with rest. It takes few days to few weeks. 
Cervical Collar:
A cervical collar is placed on the neck for a short time. It limits the motion with the healing. 
Splint:


Wearing the soft hand splint helps in limiting the movement and healing that part. 
Hot and Cold Pad:
Applying a hot pad and cold pad on swollen area give them temporary relief. 
Drugs:
Certain drugs are helpful in spinal nerve compression. These include NSAIDs and acetaminophen.
Corticosteroids:
Sometimes corticosteroids are prescribed in this condition to relieve the pain. 

Physiotherapy of spinal nerve compression:
Spinal nerve compression can also be managed without any surgery and that can be done by physiotherapy. The objective of physiotherapy depends on the scope of the injury. In the event of an immediate injury, the goal is to stay safe and not aggravate the existing injury. After a full examination of the spine, the treatment aims at:
  • Reducing the pain, tingling, and numbness. 
  • Increasing flexibility and strength. 
  • Correcting the posture.
The above-mentioned goal is achieved by:

  • Soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and stretching. 
  • Strengthening exercises, and improving posture. 
  • Application of other modalities .i.e. EMS, ultrasound, traction, cold pad, cold laser. 
Conclusion:
In this blog post, we have covered a detailed description of spinal nerve compression. If you have any questions or want to add more details about spinal nerve compression, you can mention it in the comment box.

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