Trapped Nerve and Neuralgia Treatment in London
Treatment
Trapped nerve treatment at London Wellness
Nerve pain, also called neuralgia or neuropathic pain, can feel like burning, shooting or electric pain, often with tingling, pins and needles or numbness. A trapped nerve in the neck, back or shoulder is one of the most common causes we see.
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists treat trapped nerves, sciatica and nerve pain in the lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck.
How a chiropractor helps nerve pain
A nerve becomes irritated or ‘trapped’ when the tissues around it tighten, swell or press on it. Your chiropractor will use movement tests, muscle testing and a careful examination to work out which nerve is involved and why.
Treatment then focuses on taking pressure off the nerve and settling the inflammation. It may include:
- Joint mobilisation and adjustments to free stiff areas of the spine
- Soft tissue work and deep tissue massage to release tight muscles
- Exercises to stretch and strengthen the area so it does not happen again
- Advice on posture, sleep position and returning to activity
What causes neuralgia?
Neuralgia is pain from an irritated or damaged nerve. Causes include:
- A trapped nerve in the neck or lower back, sometimes linked to a bulging or herniated disc
- Tight muscles pressing on a nerve, for example in the buttock or shoulder
- Inflammation after an injury or strain
- Medical conditions such as shingles or diabetes, which need your GP’s care
Pain from a trapped nerve in the neck often travels into the shoulder or arm (neck pain treatment). Pain from the lower back often travels into the leg (leg pain treatment).
Sciatica and nerve pain in the leg
Sciatica is the most common type of nerve pain we treat. It happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, is irritated, for example by a bulging disc or tight muscles in the buttock. It typically causes pain, tingling or numbness in the buttock and down the back of the leg.
Our sciatica treatment combines chiropractic care, physiotherapy and massage, depending on what is causing your symptoms. Our article on sciatica treatment options compares the three approaches.
Nerve pain in the arm works in a similar way, but starts in the neck. In both cases, treating the area where the nerve is irritated, rather than only where you feel the pain, is the key to lasting relief.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent medical help if nerve pain comes with weakness that is getting worse, numbness around your bottom or genitals, or problems controlling your bladder or bowels.
Easing trapped nerve pain at home
While the nerve settles, these can help:
- Keep gently active and avoid long periods in one position
- Find a comfortable sleeping position, using pillows for support
- Try gentle stretches that do not make the pain shoot further down the arm or leg
- Use heat on tight muscles around the painful area
- Avoid heavy lifting until the pain eases
Your first trapped nerve appointment
We check your reflexes, strength and sensation and test how your spine moves to find which nerve is irritated and why. A chiropractic assessment takes 60 minutes (£95) and follow-up treatment around 15 minutes (£65). Physiotherapy assessments last 45 minutes. See our price list.
Trapped nerve FAQs
Is a pinched nerve the same as a trapped nerve?
Yes, the terms are used for the same problem. Read more in our article on trapped and pinched nerves.
Will a trapped nerve heal on its own?
Many do settle over a few weeks, but treatment can ease the pain sooner and deal with what caused it, so it is less likely to come back.
Can a chiropractor help a trapped nerve in the neck?
Yes. Chiropractors regularly treat trapped nerves in the neck and shoulder using gentle mobilisation, adjustments and soft tissue work.
What does a trapped nerve feel like?
Often a sharp, burning or shooting pain, with tingling, pins and needles or numbness along the path of the nerve, for example down the arm or leg.
Is a trapped nerve serious?
Most trapped nerves are not serious and improve with treatment. Seek urgent help if you have worsening weakness, numbness around the groin or bottom, or problems with your bladder or bowels.
Where can I get trapped nerve treatment in London?
At our Canary Wharf clinic and our Monument clinic in the City of London.