Nerve Entrapment

What is Nerve Entrapment?

Nerve Entrapment, sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve, is usually caused by a combination of both joint and soft tissue problems. Joints that have been overused, are immobile, or are out of alignment can cause irritation, entrapment, and 'pinching' of the nerves around them. Repetitive use of muscles can cause the same type of pinching and entrapment, leading to restricted movement, decreased function, and pain. Over time, the joints and muscles become weak and very stiff, causing the nerve in that area to become entrapped. This entrapment restricts the nerves from sliding through and around muscles and other structures in the body, which can result in stabbing pain, numbness, and weakness. This nerve entrapment can lay undetected for months or years. Next, seemingly out of nowhere, you make a wrong move while sleeping, bend to pick up a pencil, or take a minor misstep while walking, and then the entrapment pinches the nerve and causes severe muscle spasms and pain.

 Dr. Aaron has studied Nerve Entrapment protocols using the Active Release Techniques since 2013. He is highly trained in identifying nerve entrapments by using differential palpation. It can become entrapped anywhere along a nerve path, starting at the nerve root near the spine to the small branches of nerve endings. Once identified as the cause of the entrapment, the problem is treated using one of the 90 advanced Active Release Techniques Nerve protocols to release surrounding soft tissues to help facilitate nerve slide through the tight structures. Releasing the entrapment, or pinched nerve, will help restore normal function and nerve signals to the nerve.

 A common example of a pinched nerve is Sciatica. Many people suffer from Sciatica and think it is a low back issue. The Sciatic nerve comprises five nerve roots from the Lower Lumbar (L4 and L5) and Upper Sacral (S1, S2, S3) spine. These five nerve roots form the Sciatic Nerve in the upper Gluteal region. This nerve then travels down the back of the leg controlling the nerve signals to the hamstring, lower leg, and foot. This Sciatic nerve can become entrapped anywhere along its path until the nerve endings finish in the foot. An entrapment in the calf muscle could cause a tugging or pulling on the nerve during Hip movement, for example. Unfortunately, many patients suffer for years with Sciatica because nerve entrapments in the lower leg muscles or Piriformis muscle in the Gluteal region go untreated. Active Release Technique Nerve protocols can locate the problem and release the nerve to glide smoothly again, restoring proper mobility and decreasing pain.

The median nerve commonly becomes entrapped, leading to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.