Is pain getting on your nerves?
What is Neurodynamics?
So you may have heard your physio use terms such as neurodynamics or mechanosensitivity… but what are they talking about?
As you’re likely aware, when we get a tight muscle or a stiff joint it can impact the way we move.
Likewise, tension in your nerves can result in pain and movement dysfunction.
So, your therapist may be interested in assessing how well your nerves move (neurodynamics) to determine if the nervous system is a contributing factor to your pain (mechanosensitivity).
How do our nerves cause us pain?
Just as your garden hose carries water, your nerves carry electrical signals. But, if the hose becomes kinked, or springs a leak, the flow of water is interrupted and your vegie garden misses out on a much needed drink.
Similarly when a nerve is compromised by a tight muscle, a stiff joint, or inflammation, for example, the electrical signal is impeded and the nerve no longer functions optimally. Pins and needles, numbness, and pain and discomfort may result.
What do our nerves look like?
The red theratube in the images below is a reasonable representation of the nerves that course throughout your entire body*. While not bright red, many of your nerves are roughly the same size, making it easy to appreciate how they may play such a significant role in your pain.
The images below help to demonstrate how your body position impacts upon the tension in your nerves; Figure 1 illustrates the median nerve on slack, while Figure 2 shows the median nerve on stretch. The median nerve is the only nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the disability that results from the median nerve being pressed in the carpal tunnel.
What can be done about nerve pain?
But what can be done… to unkink the garden hose you’re likely to give it a gentle flick. Likewise, to restore optimal nerve length and movement we rely on gentle stretching, or gliding of the nerve.
With accurate assessment and treatment of the structures contributing to pain, the team at Back In Motion can help you regain neural mobility and improved quality of life.
Remember, “motion is lotion!”
*Credit to David Butler and the NOI Group for this visual representation of median nerve neurodynamics.
Author - Josh Rankin, physiotherapist at Back In Motion Bribie Island
Josh Rankin - Physiotherapist Josh graduated from the University of Queensland with a Masters in physiotherapy, having previously completed studies in sport and exercise science. He has practical experience across a range of hospital, private and community settings in which musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy skills were developed. Through hands-on therapy and careful exercise prescription, Josh strives to achieve the best results for each patient he encounters. Josh lives locally on Bribie Island, and has a love of live music, hiking and playing football (a spot of fishing also never goes astray!)