Nerves are the structures in our body that send messages to and from our brain and peripheries with information about sensation and movement.
They control how and what we feel, as well as our strength and ability to move.
Between each vertebrae (bone) of the spine a nerve exits the spinal cord and travels out to the section of body it integrates with the brain.
The portion of the nerve where it exits the spine and travels between the vertebrae is called the nerve root.
Any pressure on the nerve root can illicit pain and symptoms throughout the body.
The most commonly affected nerve roots are in the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back).
Any of the structures near the nerve root can cause pressure – disc herniations, narrowing of the gap where the nerve root exits known as the foramen and swelling or scarring are some of the more common causes of a nerve root impingement.
Because we know what nerves innervate what muscles and sensory areas of the body, we can predict which nerve root is affected by assessing the affected limb.
For example, the C6 Nerve will cause symptoms in any combination in the thumb and forefinger of the upper limb on the same side.
Imaging can be useful in confirming which area of the nervous system is affected and causing pain.
Symptoms of a nerve root impingement can include: sharp and/or burning pain, pins and needles, numbness and weakness.
Conservative management (Physiotherapy treatment) has good outcomes where the Physio focuses on strategies that alleviate the pressure on the nerve root and strengthening the supporting area as tolerated to prevent a relapse in the future.
