Entrapment Neuropathy Treatments in Westminster Denver
Overview
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Entrapment
neuropathy is a condition in which a nerve becomes compressed, or entrapped,
between two other structures in the body. Usually, the nerve is compressed
between a ligament and a bone.
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Repetitive
motion can cause the ligament and bone to press or rub against the nerve. Over
time, this damages the myelin sheath, which is a layer of tissue that covers
the outside of the nerve. The myelin sheath helps the nerve transmit electrical
signals, so when it is damaged, the nerve can’t function as well. The nerve’s
reduced ability to transmit signals causes symptoms of numbness, tingling,
burning, or weakness in the fingers or other extremities.
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Although
usually not serious, entrapment neuropathy can be painful and can seriously
affect function if not treated.
Types
of Entrapment Neuropathy
Entrapment neuropathy can be acute or chronic.
Acute entrapment neuropathy is usually caused by an injury,
such as a sprain or a fracture, that moves bones or ligaments and causes them
to compress the nerve.
Chronic
entrapment neuropathy is usually caused by repetitive motion that affects an
area where a nerve travels through a narrow space. These types are named for
the area they impact.
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Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common type of entrapment neuropathy. It
involves compression of the median nerve, which runs through the arm and
controls movement in the thumb and first three fingers (all but the pinky). The
nerve is compressed inside a passage called the carpal tunnel, which runs
between the carpal bones (the bones in the back of your hand) and the
transverse carpal ligament (which connects those bones). In carpal tunnel
syndrome, a tendon or muscle inside the carpal tunnel becomes inflamed by
repetitive use. Because the ligament and bones cannot move or expand, the
inflammation puts pressure on the median nerve.
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Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed in the
cubital tunnel, which is under a bone in the elbow. The ulnar nerve controls
feeling in the pinky finger and part of the ring finger. In the elbow, the
ulnar nerve runs close to the skin surface, so bumping the elbow can cause
tingling in those fingers (this is often referred to as the “funny bone”). The
ulnar nerve can be compressed when the elbow is bent, so repetitive bending of
the elbow, or frequently leaning on the elbows, can cause inflammation and
entrapment of this nerve.
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Sciatic
Compression
Sciatic compression, or sciatica, is the most common type of entrapment
neuropathy in the back or legs. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down
the back of the legs, ending at the knee. The most common cause of sciatica is
a herniated disc. Discs lie between each vertebra in the back to cushion the
spine, and pressure on the spine can cause a bulge, or herniation, in one area
of the disc wall. This hernia can push against the sciatic nerve, causing
compression. Sciatic compression causes tingling, pain, and numbness in the
lower back, legs, or feet.
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Peroneal
Nerve Entrapment
The peroneal nerve in the knee, which branches off of the sciatic nerve,
controls movement and feeling in the front of the lower legs and the top of the
feet. Compression of this nerve can cause foot drop, which is an inability to
raise the foot up at the ankle.
Other less common types of entrapment neuropathy include
suprascapular nerve entrapment, which affects the nerve that controls the
shoulder; meralgia paresthetica, which involves the nerve that supply the skin
over the outer and the upper leg; and radial nerve entrapment, which affects
the back of the forearm and hand.
What Causes Entrapment Neuropathy?
Entrapment
neuropathy is usually caused by repetitive motion in a joint, leading to
inflammation that compresses a nerve. However, it can also be a symptom of
other conditions:
●
A
traumatic injury can cause swelling or shift bones and ligaments, compressing a
nerve.
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Tumors
or cysts can press against a nerve.
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Pregnancy
hormones cause ligaments to loosen and stretch, which can result in nerve
compression.
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Rheumatoid
arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to nerve
entrapment.
A
full assessment is necessary to determine whether symptoms of entrapment
neuropathy are caused by a more serious condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of entrapment neuropathy begins with a physical
examination of symptoms.
There are specific physical tests that can support a
diagnosis of nerve entrapment in particular areas of the body. For example:
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Phalen’s
Test
A positive Phalen’s test indicates carpal tunnel syndrome. For this test,
you’ll raise your arms so your elbows are bent straight out, and press the
backs of your hands against each other so your wrists are bent down at a
90-degree angle. After holding this position for 60 seconds, tingling in your
fingers indicates carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Tinel
Test
A Tinel test involves the doctor tapping lightly on the front of the wrist or
the elbow. This will cause tingling if the nerve is irritated. A positive
Tinel’s sign could indicate carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome.
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Neurological
Exam
Neurological tests can include testing the ability to:
○ Feel light touch, such as a cotton swab
○ Feel sharp touch, such as a toothpick
○ Distinguish between cold and heat in the affected area
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Imaging
○ X-ray
○ Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI)
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Electromyogram
or Nerve Conduction Study
Both of these tests use electrical stimuli to determine how well your nerves
can conduct signals and how effectively your muscles respond to those signals.
These tests can help pinpoint the location of the nerve compression, and they
can indicate the extent of any damage.
Treatment
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The
nerves in the arms and legs can recover from damage over time, so most of the
time, people with entrapment neuropathy can experience a full recovery.
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The
first line of treatment is to stop the mechanical injury to prevent further
damage. This could mean using a brace or other tools to prevent the movement
causing the damage. It could also mean changing the way one does activities to
avoid damaging movement in the future. For example, using an ergonomic keyboard
and changing the way a desk is set up can improve carpal tunnel syndrome that
is caused by repetitive typing.
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If
these changes aren’t effective, surgery may be needed.
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Entrapment
neuropathy surgery involves cutting the ligament that is compressing the nerve
to widen the area where the nerve passes. The ligament is still able to
function since it remains attached to the bone. This surgery is very effective,
and most people regain full function with no further pain.
Our
expert providers are experienced and skilled at treating entrapment
neuropathies and are your source for expert treatment of entrapment
neuropathies in Westminster and Denver Colorado. Not only are we the premier
treatment for spine injuries and chiropractic in Westminster and Denver
Colorado, but we also specialize in many other advanced treatment techniques
such as shockwave, cold laser, graston technique, KT Taping, activator,
instrument aided spinal alignments, drop table, toggle, in house rehab
services, and on site digital xrays. We are your Premier destination for
entrapment neuropathy treatment in Westminster Colorado and Denver Colorado
Chiropractor.