Understanding and Managing Nerve Compression and Entrapment

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve compression and entrapment, conditions that can cause chronic pain, weakness, and loss of function. If left untreated, these nerve issues can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Our comprehensive, patient-centered approach helps restore comfort and independence.

Nerve compression or nerve entrapment occurs when a nerve is pinched, compressed, or irritated by surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve's ability to send signals properly, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.

Nerve compression can occur in various parts of the body, including:

• Wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome)
• Neck (cervical radiculopathy)
• Leg (sciatic nerve compression)

Common causes include:

• Repetitive motion injuries cause swelling around nerves
• Bone spurs from arthritis narrow nerve pathways
• Trauma, such as fractures or dislocations
• Obesity, which adds pressure to nerve pathways
• Post-surgical scar tissue entrapping nerves

Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or tumors can also increase nerve vulnerability.

Factors that raise the risk of developing nerve compression include:

• Age over 40
• Jobs involving repetitive motions (e.g., typing, assembly work)
• Previous injuries
• Poor posture
• Chronic inflammatory conditions

Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing permanent nerve damage.

Symptoms of nerve compression and entrapment depend on the location but often include:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain along the nerve's path
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area
• Muscle weakness in the limbs
• Loss of coordination
• Increased pain with specific movements
• Muscle wasting in severe cases

Symptoms may be constant or triggered by certain positions or activities.

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we use a thorough and detailed diagnostic approach:

• Comprehensive physical examination to assess strength, reflexes, and sensation
• Detailed medical history review
• Imaging studies:
  • MRI or CT scans to visualize compressed nerves
  • X-rays for bone-related causes
• Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) to assess nerve function and pinpoint the level of injury

Accurate diagnosis allows us to tailor the most effective treatment plan for each patient.

Many cases of nerve compression respond well to non-surgical therapies, including:

• Medications:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Neuropathic pain medications like gabapentin or pregabalin
  • Muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy:
  • Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
  • Postural correction techniques
• Bracing or splinting:
  • For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar neuropathy
• Activity modification:
  • Ergonomic adjustments to relieve pressure on nerves

Early therapy can often reverse symptoms before permanent nerve damage occurs.

For more persistent cases, we offer advanced interventional pain treatments, including:

• Epidural steroid injections: To relieve spinal nerve compression
• Selective nerve root blocks: Directly targeting inflamed nerve roots
• Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks: For localized nerve entrapments, utilizing hydrodissection to relieve nerve pressure
• Trigger point injections: For muscle spasms, irritating nerves

Injections reduce inflammation, ease pain, and often allow for better participation in physical therapy.

Surgery may be considered when:

• Symptoms are severe or progressive
• Conservative treatments fail after several weeks to months
• There is clear evidence of nerve damage or significant compression

Surgical options depend on the location and cause of compression:

• Decompression surgery for an entrapped nerve
• Carpal tunnel release for wrist nerve entrapment
• Neurolysis (freeing trapped nerves)

Our team collaborates with top surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah stands out because we offer:

• Board-certified specialists in spine and nerve pain
• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations
• Customized, conservative-first care plans
• Access to minimally invasive therapies
• A compassionate, multidisciplinary approach focused on long-term healing and function restoration

We focus on treating not just the symptoms, but the root cause of your pain.