Acute Nerve Root Pain What is it? Acute nerve root pain refers to when a nerve coming from the spinal cord gets compressed by a structure in the neck. How does it happen? Acute nerve root compression results usually from either irritation of a cervical disc (located between each vertebrae), or compromise of the intervertebral foramen (a small hole between every vertebral level where nerves exit the spinal canal) due to presence of osteophytes (bony outgrowths) or inflammation of nearby structures.
How does it feel? Acute nerve root compression produces a sudden onset of pain usually in the arm. Neck pain may or may not be present. Pain may be associated with pins and needles, numbness or loss of strength/ movement in the arm. What should you do? If you have or suspect you have an acute nerve root pain, you should consult your local physiotherapist. If you have or suspect you have acute nerve root pain, you shouldn’t ignore the problem and continue to participate in exercise. This may lead to your injury getting worse which may prolong our recovery. You should avoid any activities which aggravate your pain. Management The assistance of a physiotherapist is very important in the treatment of acute nerve root pain. Initially, they can assist in diagnosing the problem and determining the severity. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI. From this your physiotherapist will be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may involve techniques to reduce your pain such as activity modification, the taking of anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy treatment. When your pain has settled sufficiently your physiotherapist will be able to provide you with a series of stretching and strengthening exercises designed to return you back to normal function and to reduce the chances of your neck pain reoccurring.
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What can I do now that I’m receiving treatment? You should avoid activities which aggravate your pain. You should perform any exercises your physiotherapist has given you. Take pain relieving medications and anitinflammatories as recommended by your physiotherapist or doctor. How long will it take to get better? Recovery usually takes place in a matter of weeks. However, in some cases this may be prolonged.
Physio Professionals (07) 5438 9111
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