Trapped nerves occur when abnormal pressure is placed on a nerve, often caused by injuries or conditions that cause inflammation or swelling. This can cause sensations such as tingling, burning, pain, numbness, or weakness. Long-term pressure can lead to nerve damage and muscle wasting.
Trapped nerves occur when abnormal pressure is placed on a nerve. Injuries or conditions that cause inflammation or swelling to surrounding tissue can place an additional force on the nerve. As a result, there is a reduction in blood flow. This can cause nerve irritation and trigger unusual sensations. Repeated or sustained pushing on a nerve can also compress or trap it.
When a body is injured, the inflammatory process is the body’s protective and healing mechanism. Characterized by swelling, the inflammation can affect the tendons, ligaments and muscles surrounding the nerves and compress them. Conditions such as a herniated disc, arthritis, and injuries, such as cysts or tumors that have a lumpy mass or swelling, can impinge on or narrow a nerve.
Also referred to as pinched nerves or compressive neuropathy, trapped nerves can cause sensations such as tingling or burning as well as pain. It can also cause a feeling of numbness or weakness. These feelings can travel the length of the nerve, creating a condition called referred or radiated pain. This is when the location of the nerve pressure is not where the actual symptoms are felt. Pain in your legs or feet, for example, could be triggered by a herniated disc in your lower back or lower back.
Nerve irritation could be instigated by the person staying in one position for an extended period of time or by repetitive movements. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example where the median nerve in the wrist becomes irritated and pinched. This could result from holding the hand and wrist in an incorrect position for long periods of time with too much pressure on the nerve. It could also be caused by recurring hand and wrist movements, causing the area around the nerve to swell.
When the nerve narrows, blood flow slows down. This slow movement of blood can make nerves extremely sensitive to even small changes in pressure. Diabetes restricts blood flow to the nerves, which can trigger nerve entrapment symptoms.
Some health conditions cause inflammation which could lead to trapped nerves. Arthritis and lupus can produce chronic swelling problems. Long-term pressure on the nerves can trigger incessant symptoms and eventually lead to nerve damage. The persistent force on the nerve can also lead to weakness of the surrounding muscles. Long-lasting or recurring pinched nerves can also cause muscle wasting. This is a condition called atrophy.
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