Nerve Compression Surgery

Nerve Compression Surgery Alleviates Uncomfortable Symptoms

Nerve compression, also known as a pinched nerve, occurs when too much pressure is applied to the nerve by the surrounding bone, muscles, and tendons as a result of prolonged or repetitive motions. An untreated pinched nerve in the spine can lead to pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness throughout your upper extremities. Surgery is generally needed when a pinched nerve leads to long-term damage in your arm, elbow, or hand.

Our experienced surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin can perform nerve compression surgery at our Cedar Park, TX, practice to relieve the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel, radial nerve, or cubital tunnel syndrome.

The Importance of Treating Nerve Compression

Nerves run from your brain and spinal cord sending signals throughout your body, controlling function and movement. When a nerve is compressed, it not only disrupts its function, but can lead to uncomfortable and painful side effects. It can even cause difficulty in performing normal daily tasks. An untreated compressed nerve can result in irreversible damage.

a woman doing push ups with a man lying on the floor

In the Need of Surgery?

When nonsurgical treatments, such as braces, splints, medications, steroid injections, and adjustments to your physical activity are ineffective, surgery may become necessary.

Call (512) 476-2830 Request a Consultation

Types of Conditions Linked to Nerve Compression

Without treatment, nerve compression can lead to other painful conditions, including:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When the median nerve that runs from your forearm into the hand through the bones and muscles in your wrist (carpal tunnel) is compressed, it can cause tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation throughout your hand. The median nerve controls the muscles around the base of your thumb, as well as sensation in your first two fingers. Repetitive motion activities such as typing, gardening, playing an instrument, assembly line work, and carpentry can all contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Radial Nerve Syndrome

The radial nerve runs throughout the underside of your arm and controls signals to your triceps, wrist, and fingers. When compressed, it can cause muscle weakness and inhibit movement in your wrist, hand, and fingers. The cause of radial nerve syndrome can be the result of an injury in the upper arm, incorrect use of crutches, or long-term wrist constriction.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The ulnar nerve travels from your neck throughout your arm and into your hand. Although it can become compressed at any point throughout your arm, nerve compression generally occurs at the elbow. When compressed, it can cause numbness, tingling, and lack of feeling in your ring and little fingers, in addition to a weakened grip. Common causes of ulnar nerve compression include elbow injuries, resting on your elbow for prolonged periods, or keeping your elbow bent while sleeping.

What Treatments are Offered?

When nonsurgical treatments, such as braces, splints, medications, steroid injections, and adjustments to your physical activity are ineffective, surgery may become necessary. The type of procedure recommended will depend largely on the location of your nerve compression.

For patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, we offer surgical treatment. During this procedure, an incision is made in the palm of your hand so the doctor can divide the carpal tunnel to create more space and alleviate pressure on the nerve. During radial tunnel surgery, incisions are made on any parts of the tunnel compressing the radial nerve in order to expand the space and relieve pressure.

For patients with a compressed ulnar nerve, the doctor can perform cubital tunnel release. During this procedure, the ligaments within the cubital tunnel are divided or relocated, preventing the nerve from getting trapped or improperly stretched when the elbow is in a bent position or in motion.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are battling a compressed nerve, it is vital that you visit a specialist as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Contact our practice online or by calling (512) 476-2830 to schedule your consultation.

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