Nerve compression affects women more
Nerve compression in any anatomical region of the body is one of the most important health problems that negatively affect quality of life. In nerve compression, it is stated that the complaints vary depending on the affected nerve; it usually starts with numbness, pain and tingling, and in progressive stages, it can lead to loss of vision, weakness and muscle wasting.
Selçuk Göçmen, Neurosurgery Specialist Selçuk Göçmen, stated that nerve compression is more common in women between the ages of 40–60. Stating that the risk increases in occupational groups that use their hands and wrists intensively, Göçmen said that nerve compression is more common in pianists, hairdressers, computer users, bankers, dentists, manual laborers and women who are busy with housework.
Why does a pinched nerve occur?
Selçuk Göçmen noted that pinched nerves can have many causes. These include:
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Diabetes
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Menopause
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Posture and sitting disorders
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Sudden weight loss or weight gain
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Rheumatic diseases
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Thyroid diseases
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Injuries, fractures and displaced bones
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Pregnancy
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Tümörler
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Long repetitive wrong movements
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Correct positions when sitting and lying down
located.
It has been emphasized that especially holding the wrists in a constant position, carrying heavy weights and staying in the same position for a long time increases the compression on the nerve.
The most common types of pinched nerve
Selçuk Göuk Göçmen stated that one of the most common nerve compression is the condition known as “carpal tünel syndrome” and that it occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve.
It was also stated that ulnar nerve compression in the elbow region and peroneal nerve compression in the lateral & posterior part of the knee are among the other common nerve compressions encountered in the clinic.
Nerve compression can interfere with walking and writing
It was stated that if nerve pinched nerves are not treated, serious difficulties can be experienced in daily activities. It was stated that simple daily tasks such as carrying bags, writing, holding glasses may become difficult in nerve compression in the hand region.
It was emphasized that problems such as inability to walk, stumbling, inability to climb stairs, and inability to use a vehicle may occur in advanced cases of olive nerve compression in the leg region.
Severe cases of olive nerve compression can be treated surgically
Selçuk Göçmen stated that rest, rehabilitation, medication treatment and, if necessary, cortisone injections can be applied in mild and moderate olive nerve compression. However, if these methods do not lead to improvement or if advanced nerve compression is detected in the examinations, surgical treatment is indicated.
He stated that in open surgery, the compressive structures on the nerve are released, while in endoscopic methods, the procedure can be performed with small incisions and camera-guided. He stated that these surgeries are usually short and that patients can be discharged on the same day or with a short hospitalization period.
7 ways to protect the nerves
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Pay attention to the correct position when sitting, lying and standing
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Do not stay in the same position for a long time
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Do not sit cross-legged or cross-legged for long periods
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To avoid repetitive hand and wrist movements
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Do not hold your wrists for long periods of time while using the computer
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To avoid carrying excessive weight
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Do regular stretching and stretching exercises
It was emphasized that regular checkups should not be neglected if there are risk factors such as diabetes, gout or rheumatological diseases.
