Is Nerve Tension Causing Your Pain?
Learn how nerve tension may cause your pain and explore effective treatments from expert physiotherapists in Melbourne. Find relief today!
How Nerve Tension Affects Your Body
Nerves are some of the most important structures in our body. They are responsible for all movement, sensation and control all our bodily functions. We know from our experience and scientific research (Hall & Elvey), that nerves need to slide and glide freely as we move for normal function to occur.
Watch Our Quick 3 Part Video Series On How We Test Nerve Tension
What are the symptoms of nerve tension?
Nerve tension can manifest in various ways, including:
- Pain along the nerve path
- Tingling or pins and needles sensation
- Numbness in affected areas
- Burning sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced range of motion
- Feeling of tightness in muscles
- Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure
These symptoms may worsen with certain movements or positions that stretch the affected nerve
Why test for neural tension?
If nerves are not sliding/moving well, this can lead to pain, altered movement, muscle weakness and many other symptoms(pins and needles, numbness, burning sensations etc).
The lack of adequate movement of the nerve creates signals that are received by the brain, and the brain then creates a protective response within the body. This protective response can take the form of the symptoms described above, or more subtle responses like muscle guarding that can be measured with clinical assessment.
This is why we test neural movement first. It is also the start of the problem solving process, and clearing neural tension first removes one of the potential blockages to good musculoskeletal health. This also removes the nerve tension contribution to a presenting problem.
This is one of the things that sets our approach, the Ridgway Method, apart from standard physiotherapy.
Did you know that muscles protect nerves?
Muscles will often tighten or ‘guard’ as a way to protect the nerve if it is not moving well. In our experience, without addressing nerve dysfunction first, any treatment we provide to tight or tense muscles and joints is unlikely to be effective in the long term. The nerve dysfunction or irritation is essentially a block to effective treatment.
What Is Neurodynamic Testing?
A neurodynamic test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the mobility and sensitivity of neural tissues. It involves specific movements that apply tension to nerves, helping to identify nerve-related issues.
During the test, the practitioner moves the patient’s limb in ways that stretch the targeted nerve. A positive result reproduces or worsens symptoms, indicating increased sensitivity or potential nerve entrapment. These tests are commonly used for diagnosing conditions like sciatica and radiculopathy.
Physiotherapist Nerve Mobility Assessment
Your physiotherapist will carefully assess your nerve mobility, which is a sensitive painless test to identify early restriction of movement or muscle guarding. If there is a restriction(positive test), gentle but specific mobilising techniques are used to clear the restriction. This is the first step of our thorough, whole body assessment to ensure effective resolution of your condition.
It is also an excellent objective measure of progress with treatment when your nerves are moving well and you test clear.
How To Test For Nerve Tension And Relieve Pain
Nerve testing Before and After Photos.
These tests are passive tests performed up to the first point of resistance/guarding detected by the therapist. This point in range is called R1. We test the upper limbs, the lower limbs and the nerves running through the spinal canal.
Lower Limb Nerve Test
Top Image – Before nerve clearing. Bottom Image – After nerve clearing.
Upper Limb Nerve Test
Top Image – Before nerve clearing. Bottom Image – After nerve clearing.
Further Reading about Nerve Testing
For further information on neuro-dynamic testing and whether our treatment approach is right for you, you can either contact us through the website or call the clinic and one of our physiotherapists will be more than happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nerve Tension
Q: What causes nerve tension?
A: Nerve tension can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, repetitive movements, injuries, compressed nerves, and certain medical conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome
Q: How is nerve tension diagnosed?
A: Healthcare professionals diagnose nerve tension through a combination of physical examinations, neurodynamic tests, and sometimes imaging studies like MRI or nerve conduction tests
Q: Can nerve tension be treated without surgery?
A: Yes, in many cases, nerve tension can be treated non-surgically through physiotherapy, stretching exercises, and lifestyle modifications. However, severe cases may require surgical intervention
Q: How long does it take to recover from nerve tension?
A: Recovery time varies depending on the severity and cause of the nerve tension. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks with proper treatment, while more severe cases could take several months
Q: Can nerve tension cause muscle weakness?
A: Yes, nerve tension can lead to muscle weakness in the affected area due to the nerve’s impaired ability to transmit signals effectively
Watch Our Quick 3 Part Video Series On How We Test Nerve Tension
References:
Hall, T.M. & Elvey, R.L (1999) Nerve Trunk Pain: Physical Diagnosis and Treatment. Manual Therapy Masterclass, 4(2), 63-73.
