Trapped Nerves
What is a trapped nerve?
A trapped nerve may occur when the nerve exits the spine or travels within the bone space in the spine.
This usually occurs as a result of the degeneration process as the spine ages, or if a disc slips , and it is most likely to affect people over the age of 25.
What are the symptoms?
Pain is the most common symptom that trapped nerve sufferers experience, particularly in the distribution of nerves, or the nerve it effects.
Other symptoms include pain shooting down the buttock or the leg if there is a nerve trapped in the lower spine, or pain shooting down the hand or arm if it is a nerve trapped in the neck. Severe symptoms include numbness and weakness, which can result in impairment of the arm or leg function.
How can they be treated?
Before treatment is recommended, it’s essential that a thorough examination of the injury is conducted. At Wimbledon Clinics, we conduct assessments by performing an MRI scan to ensure we can make a clear diagnosis.
There are two types of treatment for trapped nerves, depending on the diagnosis, but with good, conservative management, most sufferers can avoid surgery.
These are:
Non-operative
If no worrying features are detected in the assessment, painkillers and physiotherapy can be used to ease the pain and free the nerve entrapment symptoms.
Guided injections
Sometimes the pain from a trapped nerve can be quite debilitating. In these cases an injection into the part of the spine where the nerve is being squeezed can be helpful. It may help you get some relief from the pain quickly.
Surgery
It is common that trapped nerves can be treated through non-operative treatment, however, when necessary, surgery can be performed. This can be performed within 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and will result in an overnight stay in hospital. The results for patients will often be immediate pain relief.
What makes Wimbledon Clinics different
At Wimbledon Clinics we have a dedicated, specialist team called the Spine Group.
Our team of spine surgeons are at the forefront of spine innovation and research. They are experts in the latest techniques to manage and deal with trapped nerves. They work in our team of multiple specialists including physiotherapy, pain services and other non operative specialists. The Wimbledon Clinics Spine Group will offer you the very best advice about non operative treatments and surgical options to help you regain your mobility as quickly as possible.
What makes Wimbledon Clinics different is its multi-disciplinary team, which offers a seamless experience and pathway for patients. It consists of clinical surgeons that specialise in spinal fractures, deformity, cancer, myeloma and revisions, as well as non-operative specialists, physiotherapists, pain specialists, psychologists and orthotists.
We focus on what the patient wants to achieve, aiming to avoid surgery where possible by exploring non-operative treatments, enabling patients to get back to what they enjoy doing the most.
And to find out how you can benefit from our trapped nerve treatments, get in touch by calling 020 3962 1677, email [email protected] or fill in the form on this page.
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Meet the Spine Group
At Wimbledon Clinics we have a dedicated, expert Spine Group consisting of a team of clinical surgeons that specialise in specific areas, as well as non-operative specialists, physiotherapists, pain specialists, psychologists and orthotists.
We focus on what the patient wants to achieve, aiming to avoid surgery where possible by exploring non-operative treatments first, enabling patients to get back to what they enjoy doing the most.
We are constantly developing our treatment methods, using the latest spinal surgical techniques and technology to ensure you are given the best medical care available, in the safest and most efficient way.
Our Spine Group includes:
JASON BERNARD
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Treats a wide range of spinal diseases and back injuries – from simple disc problems to complex cancer and scoliosis surgeries. Has extensive expertise in the revolutionary scoliosis treatment, Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT).
Specialist in: fractures, paediatric spine deformity and scoliosis, and myeloma.
TIM BISHOP
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Practice includes all aspects of spinal surgery, including surgery for cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral pathology. Also highly skilled in performing complex spinal trauma and tumour stabilisation.
Specialist in: adult and paediatric spine deformity and scoliosis, metastatic spine cancer and revision spine surgery.
DARREN F. LUI
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Specialises in complex spinal surgery including failed back syndrome, scoliosis and kyphosis surgery. Treats spinal tumours, metastases of the spine and offers balloon kyphoplasty. Experienced in minimally invasive surgery.
Specialist in: complex adult spine deformity and scoliosis, minimally invasive anterior spinal surgery, revision surgery and myeloma.
