Medically reviewed by Misty Seidenburg
Neuralgia, or nerve pain, can be extremely debilitating, making even the most basic tasks challenging. This type of pain is often described as stabbing, burning, or shooting, and it may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. While medication and surgery are sometimes medically necessary for managing neuralgia, natural, noninvasive treatments can also offer significant nerve pain relief, providing hope for those struggling with this condition.
Continue reading to discover how physical therapy could be one of the most effective tools to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent long-term nerve damage.
The body’s nerves function like cables, transmitting electrical signals that help regulate everything from automatic functions, like breathing, to more complex processes such as thinking and memory.
They also play a vital role in relaying information about sound, vision, pressure, touch, and temperature to the brain for processing. The brain, in turn, influences nerve function by interpreting these signals and coordinating responses.
When nerves experience changes due to sensitivity, compression, or other factors, their communication may be altered, sometimes leading to sensations like tingling, numbness, or temporary changes in strength and coordination.
Causes and contributing factors of nerve pain include:
While noninvasive therapies can be effective in relieving nerve pain, some causes of nerve pain may require more advanced treatment. Getting an accurate diagnosis from your healthcare provider is crucial.
Identifying the root cause is crucial for tailoring your treatment plan and preventing further health issues. Now, let’s look at some non-surgical nerve pain treatments offered through physical therapy.
Therapeutic exercises that focus on improving movement control and building strength in the affected and surrounding areas can help support nerve health and ease discomfort.
For example, with sciatic nerve irritation, enhancing control and coordination of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles can contribute to better movement patterns and reduce strain on the lower spine.
By promoting smooth, controlled motion in the spine and pelvis, these exercises help distribute forces more effectively, supporting posture and overall movement efficiency. In addition to strength and control, maintaining flexibility in surrounding muscles and connective tissues can also encourage comfortable, unrestricted movement.
Physical therapists tailor exercise and stretching recommendations based on individual assessments, symptoms, and functional goals to create a well-rounded approach to movement and mobility.
Nerve gliding, or nerve flossing, improves nerve mobility and flexibility. It consists of gentle, controlled movements that enable nerves to move more freely through the surrounding muscle and fascia.
Nerve gliding is effective for reducing pain and paresthesia symptoms, such as numbness and tingling, and improving circulation. These exercises benefit individuals with nerve pain in the hands due to carpal tunnel syndrome and other forms of nerve entrapment or sensitization.
Stiff joints can cause us to move differently, which can irritate, tension, or compress nerves. Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique used to restore range of motion through controlled, gentle movements of the affected joints. This technique also reduces inflammation and improves blood flow for nerve pain relief and to promote healing.
Physical therapists can also treat muscle tension, adhesions, and scar tissue that may be contributing to nerve pain. Soft tissue mobilization is a technique where the physical therapist manipulates the body’s ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia to decrease pain and improve function and healing.
They use their hands or specialized tools to apply pressure, stretch, and manipulate the tissues contributing to nerve pain. For those living with chronic pain, this and other manual therapies can make a significant difference in managing their condition and improving their overall quality of life.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is another noninvasive pain management therapy for nerve pain. TENS delivers low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin near the site of pain. These currents stimulate the sensory nerves and interrupt pain signals traveling along the nerves to the brain, reducing pain sensations.
Electrical stimulation can also help relax tight or spasming muscles surrounding affected nerves, thereby improving symptoms. TENS also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers, to provide further relief from discomfort.
The way we sit, stand, sleep, work, and move throughout the day can influence how our bodies feel. Spending long periods in one position, such as sitting at a desk or looking down at a phone, can lead to stiffness and discomfort. When we remain in these positions for too long, reduced movement can temporarily affect blood flow and cause feelings of tension or numbness.
A physical therapist can assess movement patterns and positioning to help optimize comfort and efficiency. Through targeted exercises and education, they guide individuals in improving movement variety and control. They also provide practical strategies using ergonomic principles to adjust workspaces and daily activities, promoting ease of movement and reducing unnecessary strain on the body.
Before opting for surgery to treat neuralgia, why not explore noninvasive, conservative treatments first? Nerve pain relief may be possible without the risks, recovery time, and rehabilitation associated with surgery.
At BenchMark PT, our licensed therapists specialize in treating nerve pain with personalized, nonsurgical care tailored to your needs. Schedule an initial evaluation to begin your path to recovery. Find a physical therapy clinic near you or request an appointment to get started.
