What are nerves and how can they be injured?
Nerves are a part of our nervous system, and they connect our body to our spinal cord and brain. Nerves help us feel our body sensations, control our physical movements, and coordinate functions like hearing, seeing or digesting. Nerves can get mechanically injured where they exit from the spine or along their path in the body, typically from repetitive strain or other physical trauma.
What are common symptoms of mechanical nerve injury?
Symptoms of nerve injury can vary based on the type and severity of the injury, but often include:
-Numbness or tingling in the affected area or throughout the nerve distribution
-Sharp, burning, or shooting pain
-Muscle weakness
-Difficulty with motor skills or coordination
How is mechanical nerve injury diagnosed?
Mechanical nerve injuries are very common and can often be diagnosed and managed without further investigations or specialist referrals. A chiropractor can perform a thorough verbal and physical examination to assess the mechanical nerve injury and determine the diagnosis and appropriate plan of management. In some cases, physician referrals and/or further diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), may be recommended.
How can you treat mechanical nerve injury?
Conservative management is typically recommended for most mechanical nerve injuries, and can include:
-Manual therapies like soft tissue treatments, and mobilizations of the spine and/or nerves
-Therapeutic and rehabilitation exercises
-Education on injury management and prevention strategies
-Techniques to manage pain
-Ergonomic and lifestyle adjustments
In more severe cases, or if there is limited success with conservative treatments, a referral to a specialist or consideration of other medical interventions may be recommended.
