Trapped Nerves and Chiropractic

This is a term used to describe irritated or compressed nerves. This commonly occurs at the nerve root (the part of the nerve which comes out of the spine). The term trapped nerve suggests that the nerve is being physically restricted and possibly compressed.

In the vast majority of cases this is due to a prolapsed disc and sometimes bony growths from adjacent joints known as osteophytes which maybe present in degenerative or arthritic spines. Nerves can also irritated away from the spine. These are known as peripheral entrapments.

Sciatica

Is commonly used by many patients to described leg pain which radiates from the low back. This term is now used less frequently with modern healthcare professionals due to lack of specificity. Back pain with radiation down the leg can come from several different structures including muscles, nerves and joints and thus decifering the origin of the referred pain is paramount for optimal treatment and resolution of symptoms.

In medical terms, referred pain into the limbs from a trapped nerve in the spine is defined as radicular pain. If a nerve root in the neck is being irritated it can cause pain referral into the upper limb (arms and hands) and if it is in the low back it can cause referral into the lower limb (leg and foot). Radicular pain can vary in both quality and intensity but generally speaking it is described as constant dull “toothe ache” type pain. The pain distribution is often specific and dependent on which nerve root is being irritated.

Along with radicular pain, a trapped nerve in the spine can also cause additional symptoms to be reported by the patient such as pins and needles and loss of strength:

• Pins and needles / tingling / numbness : These changes in sensation are also known as parasthesia’s.  The nerve roots serve certain areas of skin known as dermatomes.   
• Loss of strength : When the nerve is being compressed there can also be very specific loss of strength in the muscle’s that it serves known as myotomes.

Our St Pauls Chiropractors are trained in neurology and at the intial consultation, a full neurological examination is undertaken including an assessment of the function of the nerves in the spine which will deduce the area of possible neural involvement.

Following an explanation to the patient regarding the source of trapped nerve, treatment can be initiated. This often involves reducing inflammation and improving the mechanics of the low back through stretching, mobilisation of the joints in the spine, manipulation, nerve mobilisation exercises and specific low back stability exercises.

Christensen et al, 2008 has added to the growing evidence to support the use of chiropractic to treat trapped nerves in the spine

If you are concerned about your back pain and/or leg pain and have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our chiropractors at the clinic