Trapped nerves
These are among the most painful conditions that you may suffer from and are usually caused by either direct pressure on the nerve due to a prolapsed disc for instance, or may be to a reduction of the blood flow from a squeezing of the blood vessels that supply the nerve, such as with a severe muscle spasm. They usually occur in the arms or legs but can happen in the hands feet and around the chest.

They are characterised by a severe ache radiating into the limb which becomes sharp with movement and may give altered sensations such as ‘pins and needles’ in the hands or feet. The pain may vary in intensity from a mild discomfort to almost unbearable pain that prevents you from sleeping.

Medication can often help with the pain but does not get to the cause of the entrapment meaning that it may take several months for the entrapment to pass. Osteopaths are skilled at finding the mechanical reasons responsible for the nerve entrapments and use effective, gentle treatments to correct them, or will refer to a GP or consultant if due to more serious damage. As the cause is addressed, the patient responds quickly not only allowing you to return to normal activities sooner but also ensuring that the risk of further bouts of nerve pain is minimised.

It is very important that any pain radiating into the limb is checked quickly (usually within 72 hours of onset) no matter how minor, as fast intervention can often prevent more serious and painful conditions from developing.