Occupational Therapy for Pinched Nerve
A Pinched Nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerve
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve
- Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward
- Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has "fallen asleep"
Causes of Pinched Nerve
There are two main causes of a Pinched Nerve in the neck. They both have to do with spinal discs. Spinal discs are "cushions" located between the vertebral bones of the spine that allow the spine to bend and flex.
The first cause is degenerative disc disease, which tends to occur as you age. The discs start to shrink and become more rigid, which reduces spinal flexibility and narrows the nerve root space in the spinal cord. That puts pressure on the nerves.
The second cause is a slipped, herniated, or ruptured spinal disc. The gel-like center of the disc may start coming out, which can pinch off a nerve. This is the most common cause of pinched nerves in younger people.
Occupational Therapy can also be effective in the treatment of pinched nerves. An Occupational Therapist can fit you for a splint or brace to help reduce movement in the area. They can also recommend and help you with exercises that strengthen muscles and relieve nerve compression.
At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021
Tel. (516) 829-0030
Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420-2900
Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367-1111
Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243-0247
North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344-0030
Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224-8480
Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992-2282
New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580-0125
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*
Sources:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy