Further measures
In addition to exercise therapy, there are various other physiotherapeutic measures that have an influence on the symptoms of nerve root compression: Electrotherapy, massages, heat and cold applications, as well as fascial techniques loosen the tissue and tense muscles and influence the perception of pain. Tape applications can have a supporting effect on posture, activate appropriate muscles or loosen and relax tense muscles. However, these methods are only a symptom-relieving support for the important active therapy.
Herniated disc as cause of nerve root compression
As mentioned above, one of the more common causes of nerve root compression is a herniated disc. Intervertebral discs are located between the individual bony vertebrae to prevent bone from colliding with bone. They have a load-distributing, buffering and cushioning effect.
In the course of the day, they become minimally narrower due to strain, but regenerate again during the night or after a longer period of relief. The intervertebral discs are built up like a cushion of fibrous cartilage with a core in the middle. Due to constant incorrect loading, incorrect movement or wear and tear, the outer ring of the intervertebral disc can now tear and disc material emerges.
The problem is that the only way between the bones for the disc mass to escape is the spinal canal, where the mass presses on the nerve root and we have arrived at the nerve root compression discussed in this article. A herniated disc does not require surgery. The mass usually recedes through relief and adapted exercises. Which exercises are suitable after a herniated disc, you will learn in our article Exercises after a herniated disc!
What is nerve root compression?
Nerves run in our body between the brain and the individual body regions. The so-called central nervous system is formed by the brain and the spinal cord, both of which are important systems protected by bones: the cranial bone and the spinal canal. In the central nervous system, commands are generated and passed on or, conversely, information is received and processed.
From the spinal cord, nerves now emerge from small holes in the spinal column, the peripheral nerves, to create the connection between body parts and the central nervous system. Along the entire length of the bony dorsal pole, nerves emerge from the holes on the right and left and travel to all the different regions of the body, including our muscles and, on the surface, the skin areas. In this way, stimuli, feelings and movement commands are conveyed and guided back and forth between brain and head.
The origin of the nerves that emerge from the spine and move into the body is now called the nerve root. This can be trapped or compressed for a variety of reasons – be it through bony changes or herniated discs, in which protruding disc mass presses on the root. This is called nerve root compression. This article may be of interest to you in this regard: Pain when breathing in – Physiotherapy
