Chiropractic Care Center for Nerve Entrapment & Neuropathy

Nerve entrapment is similar to a pinched nerve and is actually considered a type or category of “pinched” nerve. Both cause similar symptoms, but the particular cause of nerve entrapment is somewhat different than a “pinched” nerve; Whereas a “pinched” nerve is simply the compression of a nerve from surrounding tissues, nerve entrapment is when that compression becomes chronic and/or causes the nerves in question to literally get stuck against the muscle tissue they pass through.

There is a sheath surrounding all nerves (much like the insulation that covers electrical wires) that allow them smooth and easy passage through the expanding and contracting muscles they travel through. But when that sheath is damaged, the constant friction of the nerves against the muscles causes irritation. This causes the body to lay down scar tissue, which is why simple, small movements often intensify the numbness, tingling, and other related pain the person experiences.

Additionally, as mentioned briefly above, another distinction frequently drawn between a “pinched” nerve and nerve entrapment is based on their location in the body. The term “pinched nerve” is most often used when the nerve is situated in the spine (or vertebral column) itself, while nerve entrapment is more often used to refer to similar irritation and inflammation caused to peripheral nerves.

A peripheral nerve is one that radiates out from the spine to other parts of the body, like the muscles, skin, arms, and legs, as distinct from central nerves (or autonomic nerves) that reside solely in the brain or spinal column and are responsible for the body’s involuntary processes (like respiration, digestion, and other organ functions). Carpal tunnel syndrome, for one, is a peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, while the pain caused by a herniated disc would be considered a “pinched” nerve.

Neuropathy, on the other hand, is a generic term used to describe any dysfunction or disorder of the nerves that causes numbness, tingling, and/or pain. This includes injury, disease, irritation, inflammation, and degeneration of the nerves, whether the peripheral nerves or autonomic nerves are affected (though the term is far more frequently used in reference to peripheral nerves). That would make “pinched” nerves, including the category of “pinched” nerves known as nerve entrapment, a type of neuropathy.

At Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Nerve Entrapment and Neuropathy.  Call today to schedule a consultation or examination to see how chiropractic care may help relieve your pain symptoms and resolve your condition – 773.878-7330.