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Pinched Nerve Specialist

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy located throughout New York State

Physical Therapists & Occupational Therapists located in Farmingdale, NY & Great Neck, NY

Pinched nerves can cause severe pain and unpleasant sensations, as well as a loss of function. Without prompt treatment, these symptoms could turn into a chronic problem. The expert team at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy throughout New York state has many years of experience with a range of physical therapies that effectively relieve pressure and pain caused by pinched nerves. Call the office today to find out more or book an appointment online.

Pinched Nerve Q & A

What are pinched nerves?

Pinched nerves are a problem caused by pressure or compression of the nerves from nearby bone, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. Pinched nerves cause varying symptoms depending on the type of nerve affected, but may include:

  • Pain radiating out from the affected nerve
  • Numbness or desensitization
  • Loss of function
  • Odd sensations like pins and needles or tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • A feeling that part of your body has fallen asleep

The symptoms of pinched nerves are often worse during sleep.

Pinched nerves can develop after an accident or sports injury, because of repetitive stress or obesity, or as a result of a degenerative disease like arthritis.

How is the cause of a pinched nerve diagnosed?

Pinched nerves are identified using one or a combination of techniques, including:

Nerve conduction study

Nerve conduction studies measure the electrical impulses in your nerves and how well the signals from nerves are getting through to your muscles.

Electromyography (EMG)

An EMG is often done at the same time as nerve conduction studies, as it measures the electrical activity in your muscles as they contract and when they’re resting. An EMG is usually done by a pain management doctor or neurologist.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI produces highly detailed images of your body, which can show nerve root compression.

High-resolution ultrasound

Ultrasound is another method of producing images of soft tissues that’s useful for diagnosing nerve compression conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

How does physical therapy help with pinched nerves?

Relieving inflammation and promoting healing of the surrounding tissues to reduce compression is the first stage of treatment. You should refrain from carrying out any activities that make your symptoms worse, so you give the tissues a chance to rest and reduce inflammation.

Your physical or occupational therapist at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy can fit you with a splint or brace to help immobilize the area, like a wrist splint that you wear at night to prevent wrist compression if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Your therapist can give you an exercise prescription, showing you the right way to carry out exercises that strengthen muscles and relieve nerve compression.

They can also carry out therapies like massage and manipulation and show you how to adapt your position to relieve pressure on the nerve. Myofascial release is also effective in treating pinched nerves.

It’s important to get help from the team at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy if you have any symptoms of a pinched nerve.

A short-term compression shouldn’t cause any permanent problems if treated promptly, but long-term pressure can cause nerve damage and chronic pain. Call the clinic today or book an appointment online.