What is nerve compression syndrome?

Nerve compression syndrome occurs when a nerve is squeezed or compacted. It typically occurs at a single location. Nerves in the torso, limbs, and extremities may be affected. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness at the site of the nerve.

Nerve compression syndromes are often caused by repetitive injuries. Medical conditions such asrheumatoid arthritis,糖尿病, orhypothyroidismcan also play a role.

Nerve compression syndrome is also known as:

  • 神经血迹综合征
  • compression neuropathy
  • entrapment neuropathy
  • 陷阱神经

有几种不同类型的神经压缩综合征。每个人都会影响不同的周围神经。以下是一些最常见的神经压缩综合征类型：

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndromeis the most common type of nerve compression syndrome. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. The median nerve extends from the upper arm to the thumb. At the wrist, it passes through a structure called the carpal tunnel. Excess pressure on the wrist may cause swelling, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome是第二常见的一种神经compressio吗n syndrome. Also known as ulnar neuropathy or ulnar nerve entrapment at elbow, it occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow. The ulnar nerve is responsible for the sensation that you get when you hit your funny bone. It passes close to the skin at the elbow. Putting too much pressure on the elbow may cause swelling, which can lead to ulnar tunnel syndrome.

Other types

Nervecompression syndrome is most likely to occur at sites where nerves pass through tunnel-like structures. The following are some rarer types of nerve compression syndrome:

  • Suprabapaparular神经压缩综合征。This affects thesuprascapularnerve and can cause symptoms in the shoulder.
  • 圭顿的运河综合症。This syndrome affects theulnar nerveand can impact function in the hand.
  • Meralgia Paresthettha。这会影响横向皮肤神经，可以引起外部大腿的症状。
  • Radial nerve compression syndrome.This syndrome affects theradial nerve, which extends the length of the arm. It can impact wrist, hand, and finger function.

Nerve compression syndrome is often caused by repetitive injuries. These injuries may occur in the workplace due to repeated movements related to your job duties. For example, repeated overextension of the wrist while typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, or playing the piano can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Accidents such as sprains, fractures, and broken bones can also cause nerve compression syndrome.

In addition, certain medical conditions can trigger or make you more susceptible to nerve compression syndromes. These include:

Repetitive injuries, accidents, and medical conditions may lead to:

  • reduced blood flow to the nerve
  • swelling in the nerve and surrounding structures
  • damage to the nerve’s insulation (the myelin sheath)
  • structural changes in the nerve

All of these changes have a negative impact on the nerve’s ability to send and receive messages. This can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and reduced function.

The following are some of the most common risk factors for nerve compression syndrome:

  • Adults over the age of 30 are more susceptible.
  • Women are more likely to develop certain types of nerve compression syndrome, including carpal tunnel.
  • Having a job that involves repeating certain movements can make you more likely to sustain a repetitive injury. People who use computers for long periods of time, as well as those who do manual work, may be at an increased risk.
  • You may be more susceptible if you have a medical condition that impacts circulation or nerve function.

Symptoms vary based on the type of nerve compression syndrome and location. They tend to occur at the site of the compression, and sometimes in surrounding areas and structures.

Some common symptoms include:

  • 发红，肿胀和炎症
  • 疼痛和痛苦
  • tingling or numbness
  • muscle weakness
  • reduced flexibility
  • difficulty with certain movements

A doctor will assess your symptoms. The doctor may then use a physical examination and diagnostic tests to identify nerve compression syndrome.

Some tests used to diagnose rarer forms of nerve compression syndrome include:

For carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, diagnostic tests aren’t always necessary. Still, they may provide helpful information about the location and severity of the compression.

治疗for nerve compression syndrome often begins with lifestyle changes and noninvasive therapies. Treating an underlying condition causing nerve compression syndrome may also ease symptoms. In severe cases, nerve compression syndrome may require surgery.

Lifestyle changes

Avoiding movements that cause pain, adopting ergonomic strategies at work and at home, or changing job duties may improve symptoms. When obesity is the cause of nerve compression syndrome, losing weight can improve symptoms.

Physical therapy

Working with a physical therapist can help improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the affected area. Physical therapy can also help relieve symptoms such as pain and numbness.

A2017 studysuggested that physical therapy and surgery had similar effectiveness in treating carpal tunnel syndrome in women. However, further research is needed as this study hasn’t been repeated and involved only 100 women.

Medication

药物可以帮助缓解神经压缩综合征的症状，如疼痛和炎症。规定的药物类型取决于症状的严重程度。通常规定用于治疗神经压缩综合征引起的症状的药物包括：

  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin
  • corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, which are injected directly around the nerve

Prosthetic devices

在某些情况下的神经压迫综合症,医生tor or physical therapist may recommend a splint or a brace to help you avoid putting pressure on the nerve.

Surgery

外科手术通常被认为是治疗神经压缩综合征的最后手段。不是每个有神经压缩综合征的人都符合手术。

The surgical procedure required depends on the type of nerve compression syndrome, the degree of compression, and the nerves and structures affected. Each procedure has its risks and benefits. The outlook for surgery depends on many factors, including how long you’ve had symptoms, how severe your symptoms are, and any other underlying health conditions you might have. In general, the outlook is good.

A surgeon can help you understand whether surgery for nerve compression syndrome is a good option for you.

家庭补救措施

以下家庭疗法可能预防或缓解神经压缩综合征的症状：

  • icing the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes
  • applying topical creams, such as menthol
  • 停止导致疼痛的活动
  • taking regular breaks when doing repetitive tasks
  • wearing a splint or brace
  • using relaxation exercises
  • keeping the affected area warm
  • elevating the affected area
  • doing stretches and exercises to improve strength and flexibility

神经压缩综合征的前景各不相同。在非常严重的情况下，它可能导致受影响区域的永久性神经损伤或失去功能。但是，这很少见。

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms of nerve compression syndrome. When nerve compression syndrome is identified and treated early, significant improvements can be made. Many people make a full recovery.

You may be able to prevent nerve compression syndrome by doing the following:

  • using ergonomic strategies at work and at home
  • avoiding repetitive movements
  • avoiding movements that cause pain
  • stretching affected areas
  • 治疗潜在的健康状况，例如糖尿病或类风湿性关节炎