Nerve root compression can lead to a variety of complaints due to the pinched nerve. Physiotherapy can help to alleviate the symptoms.
Therapy
The treatment of nerve root compression depends primarily on the underlying cause. For example, a tumor that presses on the nerve root usually has to be removed surgically, whereas conservative therapy is often sufficient in the case of a herniated disc. The first step in the treatment is therefore a detailed diagnosis using x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and other apparatus-based procedures.
Of course, the symptoms can also disappear on their own after a few days or weeks, but this is rarely the case. Therefore, the principle of “the sooner the better” applies to nerve root compression. Otherwise, the complaints threaten to become chronic.
Accordingly, the primary goal of the treatment is first of all to relieve the pain and its concomitant and/or accompanying symptoms. This usually requires drug therapy. Initially, the patient is given weak painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Only when these are not sufficiently effective are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and supplementary muscle relaxants used. In severe cases, drugs that act centrally in the brain/spinal cord must also be used. If these do not bring sufficient relief, a special pain therapy is started.
Bed rest is only useful in the first few days to relieve the spine. Afterwards, it is essential to start with active therapy. It is essential that the patient gets back into motion as quickly as possible and does not assume a relieving posture.
Such a posture would only intensify the symptoms in the long term. In physiotherapy, the patient learns exercises that improve posture and strengthen the muscles. In this way, physiotherapy can alleviate acute complaints and prevent further ones.
In addition, the physiotherapist loosens tension and can reduce pain by means of manual techniques. In addition, mud or fango packs can loosen tense muscles. In occupational therapy, the affected person learns how to avoid excessive spinal strain and how to arrange his or her daily life in a way that is suitable for his or her back.
