Compression Neuropathy Treatment Specialists in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

What Is Compression Neuropathy?

Compression neuropathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve is injured or weakened as a result of prolonged pressure or compression. Compression can impair the regular functioning of both the nerve and the person, limiting your ability to work.

Some common types of compression neuropathy include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Sciatica
• Ulnar neuropathy
• Thoracic outlet syndrome

Early diagnosis reduces long-term consequences and improves your overall prognosis. You need an experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist like Dr. Dvoskin and to give you precise diagnoses and effective compression neuropathy treatment.

His team at Neuro Injury Specialists in NYC offers a wide range of other neuropathy services as well as treatment for conditions, such as:

• Trigeminal neuralgia facial pain treatments
• Occipital neuralgia
• Nerve pain
• Headaches
• Radiculopathy

What Factors Lead to Compression Neuropathy?

Compression neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors that put pressure on certain nerves, causing damage or disability. Understanding and pinpointing these causes are important for compression neuropathy treatment.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Continuous and repetitive activities, such as typing or using hand tools
• Direct physical harm, such as fractures or muscle injuries
• Prolonged pressure that’s caused by posture, tight clothes or hard surfaces
• Anatomical causes, such as bone spurs or tumors
• Diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis
• Swelling and inflammation that’s caused by illnesses such as arthritis or infections

Many risk factors also influence compression neuropathy. Your doctor uses these factors to identify whether you’re more likely to develop compression neuropathy.

Some common risk factors include:

• Your occupation, if you’re in a job that demands repetitive motions
• Genetics, when neuropathies run in your family
• Being prone to trauma or injury, because of the sports you play

What Are Common Symptoms of Compression Neuropathy?

Symptoms of compression neuropathy vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression.

Commonly observed symptoms include:

• Sensation loss in the affected area might occur intermittently.
• The affected area may feel like prickling or pins and needles sensations.
• Sharp or dull pain in the compressed nerve region may be worsened by certain motions.
• Muscle weakness and loss of control result in mobility issues.
• Discomfort increases in reaction to touch or pressure.
• Muscle wasting. Muscle atrophy in the affected area happens because of prolonged compression.
• Change in skin. Skin temperature or texture changes, such as increased warmth or coldness, and changes in skin texture, such as dryness or thinning are common side effects.

An effective compression neuropathy treatment plan depends entirely on the diagnosis. Only after an accurate diagnosis can your doctor develop a treatment plan appropriate for your specific requirements.

The diagnosis process includes:

• Considering prior illnesses and injuries when assessing symptoms, duration and aggravating factors
• Evaluating muscle strength, reflexes, feelings and range of motion as muscle atrophy and skin changes are observed
• Testing nerve function to discover anomalies or disruptions in nerve transmission
• Using electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle and nerve cell electrical activity in order to evaluate the location and severity of nerve injury
• Using X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans to detect structural abnormalities such as bone spurs, tumors or other factors that contribute to nerve compression.
• Examining for underlying illnesses that may lead to nerve compression, such as diabetes or thyroid issues

What Are Available Compression Neuropathy Treatment Options?

Compression neuropathy treatment options differ based on the severity of the condition, the specific nerve affected and the underlying cause.

Common treatment approaches include:

• Physical therapy consisting of exercises and treatments designed to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and relieve nerve compression
• Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or nerve-targeting medications for symptom treatment
• Adjusting activities and workplace conditions to ease symptoms and prevent additional nerve compression
• The use of supports to immobilize the afflicted area and relieve nerve pressure
• Injections of corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and relieve compression-related discomfort
• Surgery to minimize compression if conservative therapy fails to relieve pressure and restore nerve function
• Acupuncture, yoga and chiropractic therapy as alternative therapies for symptom management and overall well-being

It’s extremely important to get medical attention if you have compression neuropathy. If left untreated, it can lead to many kinds of complications, including permanent nerve damage.

Potential consequences of untreated compression neuropathy include:

• Worsening or persistent symptoms
• Muscle loss and weakness, as well as a reduction in general physical strength and coordination
• Difficult-to-manage pain
• Impaired abilities to perform daily duties

Can I Prevent Compression Neuropathy?

Preventing nerve compression requires taking actions recommended by your neurologist. Strain can be reduced by maintaining excellent posture, taking regular pauses during repetitive work and using comfortable equipment. Maintain physical activity, minimize extended strain on specific body areas and use good body mechanics when lifting large objects.

Don’t put off visiting Dr. Dvoskin when you have any symptoms of compression neuropathy. Contact Dr. Dvoskin at Neuro Injury Specialists immediately to begin the best possible compression neuropathy treatment.