The Link Between Nerve Compression Syndrome and Obesity

All body parts, including the spine, are subjected to increased pressure as your weight increases. Each additional pound you gain imposes four additional pounds of force on your joints and spine. That means your risk of nerve compression syndrome significantly rises if you are obese.

What is Nerve Compression Syndrome?

When a nerve is crushed or compacted, it causes nerve compression syndrome. It usually happens in one spot. Affected nerves could include those in the torso, limbs and extremities. Pain, numbness and muscle weakness at the location are common signs of nerve impingement. The most common cause of nerve compression syndrome is a sports injury. However, obesity can also cause the condition.

How Does Injury or Obesity Cause Nerve Compression Syndrome?

Repeated injuries, accidents and obesity can lead to conditions that cause nerve compression syndrome. Such conditions include:

• Decreased blood supply to the nerve
• Swelling of the nerve or its surrounding structures
• Damaged myelin sheath (the nerve’s insulation)
• Alterations in the nerve structure

These abnormalities impair the nerve’s ability to send and receive information, resulting in pain, numbness and decreased function.

Treatment for Nerve Compression Syndrome

Patients with this form of pain could be unaware they have nerve compression syndrome. The other issue with nerve compression syndrome is that it doesn’t always create apparent pain, and there is not always damage that people can see.

So, many people assume it is just a muscle strain and avoid getting help. They will simply take over-the-counter drugs to dull the pain rather than address it. However, nerve damage can cause extreme agony until professional help is sought. Our laparoscopic surgery can help ease pain and achieve lasting comfort.

The smaller tools used in laparoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and better precision. Thus, our methods can reduce the chance of chronic post-operative discomfort because they are more accurate, and the smaller incisions heal faster.

In addition, we recommend losing weight, as it greatly influences your overall health and allows your body to recuperate properly. Plus, decreasing weight can help relieve the pressure on your joints, spine, muscles and nerves.

Identifying Nerve Compression Syndrome Symptoms

To treat the condition and avoid continued suffering, swift detection is critical. Symptoms of nerve compression syndrome include:

• Chronic pain that worsens over time
• Muscle weakness and reduced flexibility
• Localized redness and swelling
• Inflammation
• Muscle numbness and tingling
• New mobility issues

These symptoms resemble other health conditions, so you may not understand what is wrong, but you should not ignore them. You will likely continue to notice new movement difficulties until you seek treatment.

At Core Surgical, we can help you figure out the problem. Contact us to book a consultation and find long-term relief for a healthy future.