What is Nerve Compression?

What is Nerve Compression?

Nerves running between muscle and bone are cable-like structures that carry signals from the brain to organs in the body. Nerves are also responsible for transmitting the sensations they receive from the skin, such as touch, cold, and heat, to the upper centers. Nerve compression occurs when tissues such as tendons, bones and cartilage in the human body press on the nerves. Nerve compression is called entrapment neuropathy. 'Carpal tunnel syndrome', which occurs in the hand, constitutes 90% of entrapment neuropathies. Traumas, surgeries, and overdeveloped connective tissues that occur during fracture healing can also cause nerve compression. In addition, hernias, bone protrusions and narrowing of the spinal canal can also cause nerve compression. 

What causes nerve compression?

The causes of nerve compression, which occurs as a result of the pressure exerted by the tissues on the nerves, are many. Causes of nerve compression may include:

• Lumbar hernia is an important cause of nerve compression.
• Disc herniation, which is caused by the rupture of the outer layer of the jelly-like substance between the vertebrae on the spine, can compress the nerves and nerve roots.
• Nerve compression can occur after trauma and injury.
• Sitting and posture disorders are an important cause.
• Heavy sports activities can cause border compression.
• Congenital anomalies and genetic factors may be the cause of nerve compression.
• Diabetes, thyroid disorders, cyst and tumor formations can cause nerve compression.

How is nerve compression diagnosed?

The diagnosis of nerve compression can be made by the patient's complaints, physical examination, electrophysiological examination and imaging methods. Especially in electromyography (EMG), electrical stimulation is given to the nerves and it is revealed whether the nerve is working or not. If there is a problem in the conduction of the nerves, the location and degree are determined. In addition, whether the stimulus reaches the muscle and the response of the muscle to these stimuli are also evaluated. During the EMG process, the signals coming from the muscles and nerves are transferred to the digital environment as data through a special device and electrodes. The data in the digital environment are interpreted by neurologists and it is evaluated whether there is any abnormality. EMG is performed in two stages. It is divided into two stages as surface EMG, where the electrodes are attached to the skin, and needle EMG, where the needle electrode is inserted into the muscle. In the first stage, the nerve conduction status is determined. For this, recording cables are connected by applying conductive material to the arms or legs of the patient and electrical impulses are given through the stimulating electrode. The data obtained through the recording cables are transferred to the computer, the data is processed in the digital environment and reflected on the computer screen. In the second stage, a sterile needle is inserted into certain muscles, the electrical activity of the muscles at rest and in contraction is again reflected on the computer screen and examined by the doctor.

Is there a test for nerve compression?

EMG is a test used to measure the natural electrical activity of muscles to determine if there is nerve compression. Thanks to EMG, it is determined whether the cause of the disease is in the muscles or in the nerves that feed the muscles. EMG is a method used to detect dysfunctions in nerves, to diagnose diseases affecting nerves and muscles, or to determine the severity of damage. In addition, the areas where the nerves are compressed can be detected by MRI, which enables the body to be imaged with the help of magnetic waves. Thanks to imaging, cysts that cause nerve compression, growths and edemas on the joint surface or muscle are determined.

What are the symptoms of nerve compression?

Pain as a result of nerve compression is a defining feature. In some compressions, pain may not occur. Nerve compression is manifested by numbness and tingling in the fingers, and weakness during gripping. In addition, excessive exposure to heat and cold, muscle weakness and sweating disorders may occur.

• Hand numbness that wakes you up at night
• Edema in the area of nerve compression,
• Pain or ache throughout the area where the compression is,
• Loss of power in advanced cases.
• Muscle stiffness when moving
• Characteristic deformities of the hands and fingers

Are there different types of nerve compression?

The important known types of nerve compression are:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve compression in the wrist)
• Herniated disc (nerve and nerve root compression on the spine)
• Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression at the elbow)
• Peroneal nerve compression (nerve compression in the leg and knee)

Is there a cure for nerve compression?

The treatment of nerve compression should be planned individually according to the patient's condition and problem. After determining the area where the compression is seen, it may be necessary to rest the area with the use of a splint and tape, depending on the course of the severity. The physical therapy process and the drugs to be given relax the patient. Analgesic drugs with corticosteroid injections should be taken on the advice of a doctor. If the course of nerve compression has continued to increase, if there is an inability to grasp things or loss of feeling, surgical treatment should definitely be considered.

Is there a non-surgical treatment for nerve compression?

Depending on the condition of the nerve compression, it is decided whether to perform the surgery or not. Physical therapy and drugs are effective in most of the nerve compressions.

What are the drugs used for nerve compression?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or corticosteroid drugs are jammed by specialist physicians for nerve compression. Thanks to these drugs, edema in the area where the nerve is compressed decreases and inflammation is prevented.

Is exercise done for nerve compression?

Expert doctors should determine the exercises to be done for nerve compression. Exercises should be defined according to the condition of the nerve compression and the person. Exercises performed unconsciously by patients can sometimes do more harm than good.

You can make an appointment at Deva Hospital for your nerve compression treatment. Call now!