Nerve Dysfunction
What is it?
Summary
Nerve dysfunction can lead to reduced mobility and sensation, decreased coordination and balance, as well as chronic pain and discomfort.
Our treatment techniques can be combined within a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient.
The goal of treatment is to relieve compression, facilitate movement to improve nerve function, and prevent further nerve damage.
Treatment
Manual therapy: use of manual therapy techniques, such as nerve glides and mobilizations, to improve nerve flexibility, reduce compression, and decrease pain.
Exercise therapy: use of customized exercise programs to target specific nerve movements and improve nerve function, flexibility, and strength.
Modalities: use of modalities, such as acupuncture and electrostimulation, to stimulate nerve fibres, relieve nerve pain, and improve nerve function.
Education and home exercise program: education regarding proper body mechanics and posture, activity modifications and recommendations, as well as incorporating a home exercise program to improve nerve function of the affected area.
Assistive devices: recommendations regarding fitting for assistive devices, such as braces or orthotics, to support the affected areas.
Signs & Symptoms
1. Numbness
Reduced or loss of sensation in a specific area of the body.
2. Tingling
a sensation of pins and needles or prickling in the skin.
3. Weakness
Reduced ability to generate force with a muscle or muscle group due to impaired nerve signals.
4. Pain
Sharp, shooting, or burning sensations caused by nerve irritation or compression.
5. Paralysis
Complete loss of muscle function due to nerve damage.
6. Tremors
Involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that cause shaking movements due to nerve damage.
causes
1. Compensatory Postural and Movement Patterns
Compensating for long periods of time can cause functional and structural changes and increase compression on the nerve.
2. Inflammation
Areas where there is more inflammation around a nerve can sensitize the nerve to pain and decrease its ability to properly function.
3. Injury
Trauma to the nerve such as crush injury, deep cuts, and surgeries can damage nerve tissue.
4. Neurodegenerative conditions
Conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease impact nerve function in the body, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as tremors, sensation changes, tremors, and weakness.
5. Infections
Shingles causes inflammation of nerve roots and may lead to pain and altered sensation along a nerve’s distribution.
6. Vitamin deficiencies:
Vitamin deficiencies: such as Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause nerve damage and symptoms such as numbness and tingling.
Risks if left untreated
1. Pain and Discomfort
Nerve dysfunction can cause pain, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area or below it.
Chronic pain: If left untreated, nerve dysfunction can lead to chronic pain, which can negatively impact quality of life.
2. Decreased Strength and Mobility
Nerve dysfunction decreases how the nerve can properly signal to muscles, which can cause weakness, decreased range of motion, and difficulty moving the affected limb or muscle.
When the nerve supplying a muscle is damaged, it can cause muscle weakness or atrophy (loss of muscle mass).
4. Numbness or Tingling
Nerve compression can cause numbness or tingling sensations in the affected area. Prolonged compression or injury can damage the nerve and result in loss of sensation or decreased ability to feel touch, pressure, or temperature.
3. Progression of Injuries
Nerve dysfunction resulting from compression rarely gets better on its own. The source of the compression needs to be corrected to allow the nerve to signal properly.
Increased risk of falls: decreased mobility, coordination, and balance can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.