About Nerve Impingements

Nerve impingement simply means a nerve is getting compressed by a muscle, bone, or disc. Nerve impingement in the upper extremity can come from various anatomical places. It can also affect a multitude of nerves. The commonly affected nerves are the median nerve (carpal tunnel nerve), Radial nerve (tennis elbow nerve), and the ulnar nerve (nerve affected in Tommy John surgery). A clinician can tell which nerve is affected by knowing which fingers are getting numbness and tingling. We can also tell by the tract the pain radiates down the arm. This knowledge is crucial to doctors to treat the ailment effectively.

Where Do Nerve Impingements Come From?

They are found in the cervical spine or lumbar spine (both the bones and the disc). Muscles can also impinge on nerves. An example of a nerve impinging on a nerve would be the piriformis on the sciatic nerve or the pronator teres pinching the carpal tunnel nerve. In the First rib, the nerve passes through the neck and forms the brachial plexus. The Brachial plexus passes through the first rib and into the arm. If the first rib is stuck, it can put pressure on the nerves. Important- We usually find that more than one structure is pushing on the nerve at a time.

How Does Eastside Wellness Chiropractic Treat Nerve Impingement?

McKenzie Method: Here, we use directional preference testing to rule in or rule out the neck or low back pinching the nerve. Nerve tension testing then gives us insight into where and which nerve is affected. Active Release Technique or dry needling is used to release muscles. McKenzie exercise and chiropractic adjustments are used to release the nerve at the neck or lower back.

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