What is Peripheral Nerve Compression?
 

Peripheral Nerves
The brain and spinal cord make up what is called the Central Nervous System, or CNS. All the nerves that come out from the spinal cord make up the Peripheral Nervous System. The peripheral nerves follow relatively consistent pathways to all parts of the body.
 

Compression

Along the paths the nerves follow there are anatomic areas of narrowing, like beneath a tight band of fascia, or between two muscles. When a nerve gets too compressed as it passes underneath or through an anatomically tight region, for an extended period of time, it can get agitated and inflamed.

Compression of a nerve leads to symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling in regions beyond where the nerve is compressed. In more severe cases, nerve compression can lead to loss of sensation or muscle strength. Unless steps are taken to relieve the pressure being exerted upon the nerve, it can begin to die.
 

How is Nerve Compression Treated?

For it to be successful, non-surgical treatment of the nerve compression often requires a change in lifestyle or a decrease in repetitive activities that the patient might be engaged in, in order to give the nerve the chance to recover and return to normal.

Surgical treatment of nerve compression usually involves decompression (neurolysis) of the nerves that are being compressed. The surgeon opens the tight area through which the nerve passes by dividing a ligament or fibrous band that crosses the nerve. This gives the nerve more room, allows proper blood flow, and permits the nerve to glide easily with movements of nearby joints.