Nerve Compression Syndrome is a condition in which the nerve undergoes squeezing or compacting. It may happen to the nerves of the torso, limbs, and so on. The possibility of the nerve compression symptom happening at multiple locations in the body is comparatively low. In most cases, it gets focused on a single region in the body. Once affected by this situation, the patient may experience severe pain, numbness, and muscle fatigue in the region. In this article, we will let you learn everything you need to know about this syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. This may help spread awareness regarding this condition and not get panicked with the same.
Trapped nerve syndrome, Entrapment Neuropathy, Compression Neuropathy, and Nerve Entrapment Syndrome are some of the other names by which it is known in medical terms. Nerve Compression Syndrome can also be of different types. The types are named based on the peripheral nerve which is affected by the syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Suprascapular Nerve Compression Syndrome, Guyon’s Canal Syndrome, Meralgia Parasthetica, and Radial Nerve Compression Syndrome, etc. can be regarded as some of the most common types on the list.
Nerve Compression Syndrome: Causes
- Repetitive Injuries
Repetitive injuries are hard to identify and sometimes the diagnosis may take a long period. If you are someone using the computer keyboard daily, or the keys of a piano likewise, the regular extension of your wrist may cause repetitive injuries. These injuries may eventually become a cause of the nerve compression syndrome.
- Accidents
If you have undergone any major or minor accidents, you are again highly likely to develop nerve compression syndrome. This can be any sort of sprain, fracture, or bone breakage. Inefficiency of blood flow to the region and the damage caused to the nerve during the time of these traumas can be the main reason. Inflammation caused in the nerve or the surrounding regions can also be a valid reason causing the syndrome. Sometimes, these traumas may also cause damage to the myelin sheath, acting as an insulation to the nerve. These may also result in compression. The squeezing of the nerve may also happen due to the structural changes caused to the nerve.
- Diseases or medical conditions
Illnesses or medical conditions can also cause nerve compression syndrome. Diabetic and rheumatoid arthritis patients, people having thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, tumors, cysts, obesity, congenital birth defects, neural disorders, and the ones undergoing pregnancy and menopause are highly like to have the syndrome. These disorders or medical conditions may reduce the ability and efficiency of the affected nerve in transmitting signals to and from the brain. This inefficiency may gradually lead to pain, inflammation, and numbness in the area.
Hear more: Best Eye Bag Treatment: How To Remove Eye Bags?
Nerve Compression Syndrome: Symptoms
- Inflammation and redness
If you are experiencing any kind of unusual inflammation and redness in a particular region, after any trauma, or illness, it can be a nerve compression syndrome. Apart from that, if the inflammation and redness are happening in a region that you are using daily at work, the possibility for nerve compression remains the same.
- Severe pain
The incurable pain felt in areas where you have undergone, traumas or repetitive injuries can also be a symptom of nerve compression syndrome. Since certain medical conditions can also be the reason for the same, make sure to diagnose unexplained pain as soon as possible.
- Numbness
If you are not experiencing any kind of sensation in a particular region, it can also be a potential symptom of nerve compression syndrome. If this condition persists for a prolonged period, get medical help without making a delay.
- Muscle weakness
You may also experience difficulty in the strength and power of muscles. It would be difficult for you to make certain movements and be flexible with your muscles if you are experiencing this weakness on account of nerve compression syndrome.
Hear more: How To Repair Damaged Nerves Naturally?
Treatment
There are a lot of treatment options for this condition and they range from small lifestyle changes to surgeries. Doctors primarily focus on addressing the root cause of the issue to treat the same. Restricting yourself from certain movements, and working out in moderation to lose weight are some among them. You may also opt for physiotherapies, medications, and even surgeries if prescribed by an expert medical practitioner.