Symptoms | Physiotherapy for nerve root compression in the cervical spine

Symptoms

If a nerve root compression occurs in the cervical spine, this is usually associated with severe pain and restricted movement for the affected person. Depending on the type and extent of the compression, as well as the underlying cause, it is even possible that symptoms such as tingling, numbness, muscle weakness or even paralysis may occur in the area supplied by the affected nerve. In the cervical spine, certain areas of skin (also called dermatomes) are supplied by a pair of spinal nerves, so that it is often possible to precisely determine which of the seven cervical vertebrae is affected by nerve root compression based on the symptoms.

Nerve Root Compression in BWS

If there is nerve root compression in the thoracic spine, the beginning of the physiotherapeutic treatment is the same. Here too, the therapist will determine the exact problems in a personal consultation and adjust the therapy plan accordingly. The symptoms of nerve root compression in the thoracic spine may differ from those in the cervical spine, since the nerves located there are responsible for other functions and skin areas.

However, the main characteristic here is also pain. At the BWS, the pain is usually aggravated by prolonged sitting or lying down during nerve root compression, whereas movement usually improves the symptoms. Affected persons often react sensitively to pressure on the ribs and may develop tingling and numbness in arms and hands.

The physiotherapeutic treatment is similar to the treatment of the cervical spine, except that here, of course, mainly exercises are performed to strengthen and mobilize the thoracic spine. A good exercise for this is for example the forearm support. The patient lies on his stomach and supports himself on his elbows, hands and tiptoes. Then the body is pushed up from the floor so that legs, back and head form a straight line. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds.

Nerve root compression in the lumbar spine

In the case of nerve root compression in the lumbar spine, too, physiotherapeutic treatment is preceded by an individual patient consultation with an anamnesis (diagnosis). The symptoms of nerve root compression in the lumbar spine are similar to those of a herniated disc. Due to its location in the spinal column, the lower extremities are more likely to be affected by tingling and symptoms of loss.

Again, pain plays a decisive role in the patient’s suffering and is perceived by many as stronger and more oppressive at rest. In physiotherapeutic treatment, manual techniques for relaxation are also used a lot, as well as exercises to loosen, strengthen and stabilize the muscles. A good exercise is for example the following: The patient moves into the four-footed position.

From there, the right leg is now lifted straight backwards so that it forms a straight line in extension of the spine. To make things more difficult, the left arm can also be stretched straight forward. The position is held for 20-30 seconds, then the sides are changed. The physiotherapist will always decide which exercises and forms of therapy are suitable for the individual patient in view of the clinical picture. The articles Physiotherapy for a Lumbar Spine Syndrome and Physiotherapy Myelopathy may be of interest to you in this regard.