We frequently see patients who are convinced that they have a ‘trapped nerve’, but although the turn of phrase is highly descriptive, it is somewhat misleading.

On the face of it, it seems to make sense: it describes a feeling of sudden pain brought on by movement. It sometimes refers to low back or buttock pain, but perhaps more commonly to neck pain when turning the head.

The sensation occurs when a particular joint motion becomes impaired or difficult; under these circumstances, the body uses pain signals to inhibit movement and ensure that it is reduced to a more manageable speed or range. The nerves are working perfectly in the sense that they are telling you that there is a problem, but they are not the problem itself.

Osteopathy is a good choice of investigation and treatment for anything that feels like a trapped nerve because it strives to uncover the underlying cause that is producing the sensation. Treatment can then be specific and effective, rather than vague and hopeful.

There are exceptions, but often the catching sensation resolves as normal movement and activity are restored to the area in question. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment will also usually produce a more complete resolution than just waiting for it to recover; otherwise, the body simply gets used to the compromise and adapts to it, which may seem like recovery, but often results in recurring epsodes of similar discomfort. Over time, the accomodation can become more ingrained, and athough it is never too late to make a change for the better, the sooner the underlying problem is treated, the more complete the recovery is likely to be.

Can an osteopath help you? Bridge to Health are osteopaths in Ealing (020 8566 0767) and Uxbridge (01895 20050) – do telephone either clinic to speak directly to a fully qualified and registered osteopath. (click here to read more about what to expect on your first visit)