Pinched nerve or compressed nerve is a condition where pressure on one or more nerves causes pain in various parts of the body. This condition may be caused by sustained periods of repetitive motion or remaining static in one position for a long time. Pinched nerve may also be caused by spinal conditions such as herniated discs.
If left untreated, this condition may lead to pain, swelling, and scarring that may hamper the nerves usual functionality. There are many treatment methodologies for this condition, but physical therapy is considered to be one of the most effective.
Physical Therapy vs. Other Methods of Treating a Pinched Nerve: The Effectiveness Factor
A back pain doctor prescribes customized physical therapy routines depending on the nature and severity of his patients condition; his age, weight, and general health; and his specific needs. Physical therapy as a method of treating pinched nerve is more effective than other non-surgical methods like administering drugs and steroidal injections because the former brings about much more than just pain relief.
Physical therapy stretches and strengthens the muscles in the afflicted area and this in turn, helps a patient regain his earlier levels of flexibility and mobility. Stronger muscles help an individual prevent injuries in future and also improve his balance, posture, and coordination. A qualified and experienced therapist also creates a routine that is paced to meet the needs and physical capabilities of the person. This raises the efficacy of physical therapy as a method of treating a compressed nerve.
Medications to treat a compressed nerve, on the other hand, cannot achieve such multifarious and long-term benefits. What is more, being a non-invasive mode of treatment, physical therapy also involves no hospitalization and lesser recuperation times than orthopedic spine surgery. This makes physical therapy also one of the most cost-efficient methods of treating compressed nerve.
Physical Therapy vs. Other Methods of Treating Pinched Nerve: The Safety Factor
Physical therapy scores over some other methods of treating pinched nerve on the safety count as well. Not all patients suffering from compressed nerve are considered suitable candidates for surgery. The suitability criteria include age and general health of the patient. Sometimes patients afflicted with spinal conditions also cannot be administered certain medicines because of some underlying medical condition they may be suffering from or certain drugs they may be taking. Some patients may also develop unpleasant side effects after taking the prescribed medicines for a pinched nerve.
But physical therapy can be prescribed to almost all patients. A physical therapy regimen created by a qualified therapist after thoroughly analyzing the specific situation and needs of the patient is absolutely safe and brings on no side effects. A back pain doctor may prescribe physical therapy in conjunction with medications to treat a compressed nerve.
A back pain doctor should ideally arrange one-on-one consultation sessions with his patients to discuss the physical therapy method to pursue. Aspects like physical therapy routines, the duration, and how the sessions are spaced out vary for different patients. Insist on seeing a spine doctor who provides such personalized attention!