A pinched nerve can cause discomfort, pain, and even limit your daily activities, leaving you wondering what options you have for relief. If you’ve been experiencing shooting pain, numbness, or tingling sensations, you might be wondering: Can physical therapy help a pinched nerve?
The good news is that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for many cases of a pinched nerve. Let’s explore how physical therapy works, when it might be beneficial, and what other options you should consider.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A more accurate term is a compressed or irritated nerve. Compression can happen anywhere in the spine, particularly in the neck or lower back. Irritated nerves can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as:
Herniated discs
Bone spurs
Muscle strain or tightness
Poor posture
Narrowing in the spine from conditions like arthritis or stenosis
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy plays a key role in treating a pinched nerve by addressing the root causes of nerve compression and improving mobility. Here are just a couple ways:
Coaching through Activity Modification
Figuring out what activities aggravate your pain and how to modify them can go a long way in making your life more pleasant.
Reducing Pressure through Stretching and Strengthening
Stretching exercises target tight muscles that may be contributing to the compression of the nerve. Strengthening exercises, on the other hand, help build muscle support around the spine, which can prevent further strain on the nerves.
Decrease Muscle Mobility with Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a proven way to decrease muscle tension and pain!
When to Seek Other Treatment
While physical therapy can be very effective, sometimes more invasive but less ideal treatment is needed. Your doctor of physical therapy can help you determine when it's in your best interest to move on. These might included an MRI, an injection, or a consult with a surgeon. While we want to avoid these options as much as possible, physical therapists are always on the lookout for red flag symptoms and here to help you navigate your condition.
Conclusion
In many cases, physical therapy can be an excellent treatment for a pinched nerve and should always be your first stop. By addressing the underlying causes of nerve compression, physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future issues. If you think you're dealing with a compressed nerve, contact your doctor of physical therapy today!
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