Nerve Pain

Nerve pain refers to any pain that is deemed to come from an irritated, compressed or damaged nerve or nerve root.

What are Nerves?

Nerves act as our bodies own electrical wires that carry messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin and organs of our body to allow movement and feel sensations.

Most common types of Nerve Pain?

There are a number of conditions which can cause nerve pain but the most common ones we see in clinic are cervical radiculopathy (CR), sciatica and lumbar stenosis. Other nerve pain conditions include cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Cervical Radiculopathy:

CR is a condition in which nerves in your neck are either compressed or irritated as they exit/branch away from the joints in your neck.

This can result in pain that radiates down your neck, into your shoulder blade and/or arm and hand, and may also be accompanied by muscle weakness and/or pins and needles/numbness.

CR is often caused by arthritic changes that occur at the joint, causing a narrowing of the space where the nerve root exits the spinal canal. This is more common in middle age and older people.

Another cause of CR is a herniated disc in the neck. Between each level of the spine, we have discs that act as shock absorbers and they help to transfer load evenly as we move.

In the middle of the disc is a nucleus (jam within a strong doughnut), this nucleus can sometimes press, bulge or herniate out against or through the disc wall and cause compression on the nerve root that lives closest to it.

This is more common in younger people following a sudden injury or people who hold prolonged static postures for long periods of their life (desk workers).

Lumbar Stenosis

You can read all about Lumbar Stenosis on the Low Back Pain page by clicking here.

Sciatica

You can read all about Sciatica on the Sciatica page by clicking here.

How do we treat nerve pain?

We use our 4-step system to assess and treat nerve pain as outlined below. This ensures you have the best possible chance of getting better and the problem not returning in future.

1) Assess

First we listen to you and take a detailed history of your pain and problem. Then we assess your body and painful joint using simple movement tests and screens.

We then explain your likely diagnosis and proposed treatment plan of exactly what we need to do to get you better.

2) Mobilise

We then begin treatment. This usually involves a combination of hands-on techniques as outlined below to help improve joint stiffness, decrease pain and improve muscle and nerve tension.

Soft tissue massage and mobilisation

Joint mobilisation

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Muscle Energy Techniques

Taping

Advice around lifestyle, posture and ergonomics.

We begin to build your exercise rehab programme ensuring it fits around your life and is not overwhelming.

3) Strengthen

Once pain has begun to settle and we are moving in the right direction, the emphasis shifts to helping you build the necessary strength and resilience of muscles and joints in order to get those long-lasting results. We work with you 1:1 in our dedicated rehab space and/or start you in our group PhysioFit Pilates classes.

4) Optimise

Now that you are well on your way to being pain free, we show you how to build on these results. Many of our clients choose to start our Physio Led Pilates classes which are an excellent way to stay consistent with your exercises and to keep you on track going forwards.

Note: Most people don’t need scans but if during the assessment or subsequent treatment sessions we decide your condition does need further investigation like an X-ray or MRI, we have the facilities to refer you privately if you wish. Usually, we can get this organised and have a result within 3-5 days.

How do I get started?

If you are ready to book in then you can either phone the main desk on 0191 814 9717, or use our easy online booking system by clicking here and selecting the ‘Physiotherapy Assessment/First Appointment’ option at a day and time that suits you. You will usually be offered an appointment within 48 hours.

Like to speak to someone first?

No problem, please call the main desk and if needed we can have a physio call you back to discuss your specific situation.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Ready to Book?

All of our appointments can be easily booked online or if you’d prefer to discuss your needs prior to booking in then please call 0191 814 9717 and we will be happy to chat.