|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

Pinched Nerve Effects on Nerve Network

Most people have experienced a crook in the neck or a 'pinched' nerve that has caused discomfort or pain. Exactly what is a pinched nerve and what's so life threatening about it? A pinched nerve, also known as a compressed nerve, can interrupt the natural flow of vital impulses to other nerves. The good news: only certain nerve cells, after being damaged, produce pain. The bad news: most damaged nerves almost always negatively affect a nerve network.

  1. The Complexity of Nerve Networks

    • The nerves that comprise the nerve networks in human beings number in the billions. Our bodies function because of these nerve networks. Without these networks, we would be unable to differentiate between hot and cold or pleasure and pain. Every activity, from walking to running, from breathing to thinking, functions smoothly because of nerves and nerve networks. One damaged nerve can negatively affect an entire nerve network. A modern example of a damaged nerve that many people suffer with is carpal tunnel syndrome, an often-painful nerve malady. Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically caused by repetitive hand/wrist motions that result in numbness, pain and weakness in the affected hand. If carpal tunnel syndrome is ignored and left untreated, it is possible for the entire nerve network to be affected, and the muscles in the hand and wrist might shrink (waste), resulting in weakness.

    Nerve/Nerve Network Damage Symptoms

    • A pinched nerve can cause sensations such as tingling, burning or prickling in the affected areas. People with diabetes often suffer severe nerve damage or neuropathy. Diabetes is a serious condition in which glucose (too much sugar) destroys nerve cells in the body. Left untreated, diabetes can result in severe nerve damage in the feet and legs, where amputation becomes necessary; damage to the kidneys, requiring dialysis treatments or kidney transplant, and cataracts and blindness. People with diabetes also suffer with atrophied muscles because of damaged nerves. This type of nerve damage can lead to a loss of physical coordination and balance and extreme sensitivity to any type of physical contact.

    How to Safeguard Nerve Networks

    • The very structure of how our bodies function is located in our nerve networks. Our bodies and therefore our nerves are meant to be used, exercised and, more importantly, cared for. Our bodies and nervous systems need to be constantly replenished with adequate rest and proper nutrition. Consult with your personal physician or a trainer to determine how much and what type of warm-up exercises you should do to safeguard your body and nerve networks before starting a new routine. If injury does occur during work or play, make sure that the muscle and nerve network are completely healed before resuming said activity. Remember, repeated damage to a single nerve can result in serious injury to an entire nerve network.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles