What is it?
A pinched nerve might also be classified as a 'nerve compression syndrome'. It occurs when a nerve outside of the brain or spinal cord (also known as a peripheral nerve) has pressure from surrounding bones, muscles, or tissues abnormally placed on it. They are often given different terms depending on where the pinch or compression is happening and what it is affecting. Carpal Tunnel, Sciatica, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome all stem from different types of nerve compression syndromes. A Pinched Nerve is often the term used when the issue is more minor and less chronic, although it could become more chronic over time if not treated. Nerve compression, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous in the short-term, but long term or chronic pressure may cause nerve damage.
What does it feel like?
Pain, a 'pins and needles' numbness, tingling, burning, or inability to move the area below the "pinch". It can be felt anywhere in the body (hands, torso, legs, etc) depending on the nerve being "pinched". The symptoms may be felt in a totally different place from the actual point of compression due to how the nerves run and send signals to the brain.
What causes it?
Our nerves run in small channels throughout the body, and sometimes the tissue such as bones or muscles surrounding the nerves can "squeeze" the nerve pathway by putting more pressure on them than they should. This more often happens in joints where the nerve channels are "looser" so they can move with the rest of the limb. They can be caused by repetitive stress, inflammation from arthritis, an injury that slides bones out of place, bone spurs, or even obesity.
Can Massage help?
Massage can not fix a nerve, but it can provide relaxation of the muscles surrounding an irritated nerve which may in turn lessen the inflammation or help the nerve settle back into alignment. At the least it may be able to lessen the pain and tingling felt as a result of the compression and may help slow nerve damage. It can also help as a preventative measure to keep things "calm" in an area where repeated stress is known to occur such as carpal tunnel or a stiff neck.
What can I do on my own?
For a pinched nerve or nerve compression, doctors will usually start with recommending rest and over-the-counter pain medicine. Regular stretches and strength exercises as well as heat and cold therapies (heat to relax surrounding muscles, cold to calm down inflamation) on the affected areas can also help. Seeing a Physical Therapist or Chiropractor can help ensure that things are structurally in the right place so the compression goes away, and Accupuncture may help with ensuring the pain along the nerve pathways settles down.
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