The function of nerves is to control the function of relevant muscle groups and to transmit sensations from these regions to the brain. Each nerve in our body can become compressed at one or more points, causing a disease. Nerves are responsible for transmitting sensations such as touch, cold, and heat from the skin to the upper center. This occurs when the surrounding tissues, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, or tendons, exert pressure on the nerves. This pressure, exerted by surrounding tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, or tendon, can negatively impact nerve function, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. There are many types of nerve compression syndromes, each of which depends on the affected nerve and area. Nerve compression surgery is performed at Ankara Private Magnet Hospital. You can begin the treatment process by visiting our hospital's orthopedics and traumatology department and consulting with our doctor.

Types of Nerve Entrapment

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome :  Occurs when the nerve passing through the wrist becomes compressed within the regional canal it passes through. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes fatigue in the hands, leading to weakness.
• Herniated Disc:  It occurs when the nerve and nerve root are compressed within the regional canal of the nerve passing through the spine.
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:  This is a nerve compression that occurs in the elbow. It travels from the neck to the hands and can occur in many locations, including the elbow and wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause a weakened grip and difficulty with finger coordination.
• Peroneal Nerve Compression:  It occurs as a result of nerve compression in the legs and knees.

Causes of Nerve Entrapment

Nerve compression often occurs as a result of repetitive injuries. This is said to be related to a person's profession and work. For example, jobs that involve constant keyboard and mouse use may increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the wrist. Nerve compression presents specific symptoms depending on the location. In other words, the most common symptoms in people with nerve compression in the lower back include pain radiating to both feet, difficulty sitting and walking, and tingling. Nerve compression, which occurs as a result of tissue pressure on the nerves, has many causes. These include:

• The person lies on his elbow for a long time,
• It is one of the most important factors that cause a herniated disc in a person.
• Sitting and posture disorders in the person
• Nerve compression occurring after trauma and injuries,
• A person performs repetitive actions constantly,
• Pregnancy or menopause,
• Thyroid dysfunction
• The person is involved in heavy sports activities
• Diabetes and neurological diseases

What are the symptoms of nerve compression?

• The person may feel difficulty during movement,
• Hand numbness that wakes you up during sleep at night,
• Temporary loss of power,
• Muscle weakness,
• Weakness during sitting and walking, tingling in the legs,
• It is very important for your health that you consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as pain or ache in the area where the nerves are located.

How is Nerve Entrapment Diagnosed?

The doctor must have a detailed understanding of the patient's medical history and general health. Diagnosis is made using the patient's complaints, a physical examination, and electrophysiological imaging (EMP) methods. The doctor first examines the hand and elbow area to determine which nerve is compressed and where. They then observe for loss of sensation and strength in the hand and fingers. Signs of nerve compression include pain, numbness, and tingling. For a definitive diagnosis of nerve compression, an EMG (Electrolymphatic System) is necessary. During the EMG, nerve conduction status is determined. Conductive material is applied to the patient's arms and legs, and recording cables are connected. Electrical stimulation is then applied via a stimulating electrode. The data obtained is then transferred to a computer, processed digitally, and displayed on the computer screen.

In a second step, sterile needles are pressed into specific muscles, and the electrical state of the muscles, both at rest and in contraction, is projected onto a computer screen for our doctor to analyze. The time it takes for the nerve conduction signal to respond is measured to test the area where the response is taking too long, which may indicate nerve compression.

In this way, by measuring the muscles and the nerves coming to the muscles, it can be determined whether there is a problem.

Nerve Compression Treatment

The most important factors determining the treatment for nerve compression are the duration of the problem, the severity of the symptoms, the EMG findings, the degree of compression, and the cause of the compression. If the nerve compression has not caused muscle loss during the treatment process, your doctor will first use nonsurgical treatment methods. If the symptoms of nerve compression are new, medication may be used to reduce the swelling around the nerve and relax it. In addition to medication, a person can also prevent this condition through lifestyle changes and physical therapy.

Physical therapy, a non-surgical method, aims to increase flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the area affected by nerve compression. This flexibility also improves symptoms such as pain and numbness.

How is Nerve Entrapment Surgery Performed?

In treating nerve compression, the patient is evaluated holistically. Among the reasons why nerve compression surgery is chosen as a surgical treatment is that in some individuals, symptoms have increased, pain has become unbearable, and the patient has gradually lost sensation. Today, nerve compression surgery is among the most frequently performed procedures. The preferred type of anesthesia is local or block anesthesia, depending on the situation. Nerve compression surgery aims to reduce the pressure around the nerve and the factors that are compressing it, completely eliminating the problem. During the surgery, a 4-5 cm incision is made to relieve the pressure. The nerve is moved from the tunnel to the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle, reducing tension on the nerve. The internal bony prominence of the cubital tunnel, the medial epicondyle, is removed through a bone cut, eliminating the tunnel. This displaces the nerve anteriorly.

Post-Operative Recovery

Pain around the incision after surgery may last for several weeks. It may take several months for strength to return to normal after surgery. In particularly severe cases of nerve compression, symptoms may not completely resolve after surgery. Physical therapy can be used at home to regain mobility after surgery without much difficulty. The ability to return to normal activities and lifestyle varies depending on the individual's recovery.

The results of surgery are always positive and successful for the patient. It's crucial for you to avoid delays in treatment and diagnosis.

Most frequently asked questions?

What are the prices of nerve compression surgery?

The cost of nerve compression surgery varies depending on the area being treated. If you have these symptoms, you can visit our hospital for a detailed consultation and receive a cost estimate. At Ankara Private Magnet Hospital, you can begin your treatment by meeting with our doctor to discuss your surgical method, treatment process, and any necessary procedures. For more information about nerve compression surgery, please contact us at  (312) 212 80 80

Is there a non-surgical treatment for nerve compression?

Surgery is not recommended for everyone experiencing nerve compression. These symptoms vary from person to person, and unless there are significant symptoms, physical therapy and medications are often effective .

Does nerve compression go away on its own?

It's a mistake to expect a pinched nerve to go away on its own. Therefore, the individual should consult a doctor without delay.

When is nerve compression dangerous?

In some cases, nerve compression can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. Situations where nerve compression can be dangerous include:

• Spinal cord compression : Spinal cord compression occurs when nerves in the spine or neck become compressed. This condition can occur due to a serious medical condition, such as a sudden spinal cord injury or a spinal tumor. Spinal cord compression can cause serious neurological symptoms, such as severe pain, muscle weakness, and loss of urinary or bowel control. Spinal cord compression requires immediate medical attention.
• Circulatory impairment due to nerve compression:  Nerve compression can interfere with normal blood flow. In cases of nerve compression, particularly involving blood vessels, blood circulation can be compromised, increasing the risk of tissue damage or necrosis. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness and weakness in the hand due to nerve compression. If left untreated, muscle weakness and loss of function can occur in later stages.
• Inflammation or infection due to nerve compression:  Nerve compression can increase the risk of inflammation or infection in the nerve tissue. For example, radiculopathy caused by nerve root compression can cause inflammation of the nerve roots and nerve damage. If the nerves become infected, serious health problems can occur and prompt treatment is necessary.

Can a pinched nerve heal completely?

Complete recovery from nerve compression can vary depending on many factors. Factors such as the cause, severity, duration, and early intervention can all impact the healing process.

Where does a pinched nerve hit?

Nerve compression can occur in different parts of the body and cause a variety of symptoms. Nerves are communication channels that transmit sensory and motor signals to different parts of the body. Nerve compression occurs when nerves are compressed or pinched. Some of the most common areas for nerve compression include:

• Neck and shoulders
• Back
• Wrist
• Elbow
• Ankle