Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is an affliction that’s becoming increasingly recognised and diagnosed in individuals worldwide.

Characterised by a distinct set of symptoms, nerve pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life, interfering with daily activities, mobility, and overall well-being. This condition can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, often challenging to manage due to its complex nature.

Symptoms of Nerve Pain

Nerve pain symptoms can vary widely among individuals but typically include:

• Numbness: A lack of sensation in the affected area.
• Tingling and Pricking: Sensations often described as “pins and needles.”
• Loss of Reflexes: Diminished response to stimuli.
• Loss of Strength: Weakening of muscles in the affected area.

These symptoms reflect the diverse ways that nerve pain can disrupt daily life, from simple tasks at home to responsibilities at work.

Causes Of Nerve Pain

Nerve pain is commonly the result of nerve compression or entrapment—a condition where nerves are pinched between soft tissues or other structures within the body. Several conditions are frequently associated with nerve pain, including:

Peripheral Nerve Entrapment: Compression of nerves as they traverse through the body can lead to localised pain and sensory changes.

Piriformis Syndrome: A condition where the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib, causing pain in the shoulders, neck, and arms.

How Myotherapy Can Help

Myotherapy offers effective strategies for managing nerve pain:

Manual Techniques: Myotherapy employs hands-on techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to relieve pressure on the entrapped nerves, reducing pain and improving function.

Dry Needling: By targeting specific trigger points, dry needling can alleviate muscle tension and nerve irritation, offering relief from the symptoms of nerve pain.

Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to the individual’s needs can help improve mobility, support recovery, and prevent further nerve compression.

Education and Advice: Myotherapists provide valuable insights into posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle adjustments that can minimise the risk of nerve entrapment and reduce pain.

Pain Management Strategies: Techniques such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and hot/cold therapies can be used to manage acute symptoms of nerve pain, enhancing comfort and promoting healing.

Postural and Corrective Exercises: Addressing postural imbalances and bio-mechanical issues that may contribute to nerve entrapment can offer long-term relief from nerve pain.