PERIPHERAL NERVE ENTRAPMEnt AND Chiropractic

Nerves can not only be irritated as they exit the spine but also at distant sites away from the spine. These are known as peripheral entrapments.

There are numerous areas in the body these can occur such as in the upper anterior chest and groin.  Peripheral nerves are also vulnerable to trauma (damage) where they are closer to the skin. Such areas include the inner arm (medial aspect of the upper arm) and the outer aspect of the leg (lateral aspect of the lower leg). These areas are susceptible to sudden blows or sustained trauma. A good example is a condition affecting the radial nerve called “Saturday night palsy”. This condition relates to a sustained compression of the nerve as it wraps around the medial aspect of the upper arm. It’s amusingly referred to as a “Saturday night palsy”  as it is often seen in A&E departments when patients present having slept with the affected arm relaxed over the firm edge of a sofa, thus compressing the nerve, often after a few to many drinks.

The symptoms are much the same as discussed when disc compress a nerve root i.e pins and needles, numbness and weakness however, peripheral nerve entrapements are very specific to the muscles and areas of skin served by the nerve. Unlike nerve roots peripheral nerves tend to recover much better.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and chiropractic

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common complaint presenting at our city based practice. It is commonly associated with repetitive finger or wrist flexion and extension. Manoeuvres which commonly take place whilst typing and using the mouse at your work station.

These RSI associated injuries are more common in females and are characterised by compression of a specific peripheral nerve named the median nerve. This nerve is compressed as it passes from the forearm into the wrist in what is termed the "carpal tunnel".

As a consequence of the compression, the patient often reports tingling into the thumb, index and middle finger along with weakness in grip strength, clumsiness and burning pain at night.

At our chiropractic clinic which is located near Bishopsgate, we can assess the wrist and perform certain orthopaedic and neurological tests which can help ascertain the site of median nerve compression.

From here, we can initiate treatment which involves soft tissue work directed at the forearm muscles, mobilisation of the wrist and elbow, advice on splinting/supports and the correct ergonomic setup and rehabilitation including nerve mobilisation exercises.

In some cases, patients who have been suffering with this condition for prolonged periods may also be referred for additional nerve conduction studies, imaging and orthopaedic consults.

If you have any questions regarding your wrist or forearm symptoms, please do not hesitate to contact one of our chiropractors at the Bodymotion clinic.