Nerve Jamming
What should we understand when we talk about nerve compression? How does it manifest itself?
Nerves can be compared to a thin electrical wire. Our nerves allow us to move and feel. In some cases, these nerves to the muscles of the hands and feet can be compressed as a result of narrowing of the anatomical structures in which they travel, such as microtraumas, and as a result, nerve compression can occur.
In which parts of the world is it more common?
Nerve compression can occur in any anatomical region of the body. The most common clinical picture is known as carpal tünel syndrome, which is characterized by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Then, clinical pictures of compression of the ulnar nerve in the outer part of the elbow and the peronel nerve in the lateral-external part of the knee can be seen.
What factors increase the risk of pinched nerve?
Sugar diabetes, rheumatic diseases, thyroid diseases, menopause, sitting and posture disorders, broken or displaced bones, pregnancy, overweight (obesity), sudden weight loss, tümörs, repetitive wrong movements (microtraumas), wrong positions while sitting and lying down (such as using a computer, wrong sports, manual work, constantly throwing legs, sitting cross-legged..) increase the incidence of the disease. Activities such as holding objects tightly and vigorously in the hand, excessive wrist contraction, etc. similarly increase the rates of vision loss.
Are there different tables on the prevalence in the male-female, young and old population?
Öit is most common in women between the ages of 40 and 60, and in professions that use their hands excessively, such as pianists, hairdressers, computer operators, bankers, dentists, sculptors, and housewives.
How it affects our quality of life
Complaints vary depending on the affected nerve. Complaints usually start with numbness, pain, and weakness. When it progresses, it can lead to güçsüweakness, muscle wasting (atrophy).
What is being done for the treatment; what are the current surgical treatments? (Surgical methods, success rates in patients, recovery periods, hospitalization periods, etc.)
Mild to moderate nerve compression is treated conservatively. The main aim of this treatment is to relieve the pressure on the nerve (such as using a special bracelet). You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone injections. Some special exercises can be done to reduce pain.
If patients do not improve with rest, rehabilitation or other treatments and tests show severe nerve compression, surgical treatment is appropriate. The most common technique is nerve decompression surgery, which is performed by open or endoscopic methods. In open surgery, an incision is made and the nerve is freed by cutting the bands that compress the nerve. In the endoscopic method, a small incision is made and the band is cut from the inside with an endoscopic camera and the compression is removed. Both methods are usually performed under local anesthesia. The operation time is approximately half an hour. The patient can be hospitalized on a day-to-day basis.
What can the patient face if untreated or delayed?
If the nerve compression is in the hand, the patient has difficulty in performing daily activities such as carrying bags, writing, and holding glasses. As a result of severe compression in the legs, the patient may not be able to walk and may start to wipe his/her foot. This can lead to problems such as tripping and falling, not being able to climb stairs, and not being able to use a vehicle.
What should we do and what exercises should we practice in our daily life to be protected?
- Pay attention to sitting, lying and standing positions and learn to change vücut positions. Do not stay in the wrong position for a long time
- Housewives should avoid repetitive movements such as wringing diapers and doing handicrafts
- Similarly, frequent keyboard/mouse users should not hold their wrists for long periods of time
- It should not be done with elbows resting on the table or anywhere else, nor should one sit cross-legged or cross-legged for long periods of time
- Hands should not carry or hold too much weight
- To keep ligaments, joints and muscles strong, stretching and stretching exercises should be performed regularly
- Those with diabetes, goiter and rheumatologic diseases should keep their diseases under control
