Nerve impingement syndrome is a condition where a nerve becomes entrapped or compressed. An injury like this can result from an injury/trauma or overuse. The nerve becomes compressed as it passes along a muscle or joint. Tight musculature can result in nerve impingement, often seen with sciatica as the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle of the posterior hip. If the muscle becomes tight It can put pressure on the nerve which can present with a sharp shooting pain or weakness/numbness.
Common sites for this syndrome include the lower back, hip, shoulder, and upper arm. Pain can present locally to the entrapped nerve, or it can refer pain to the extremities. For example, the ulnar nerve can become compressed along the neck and upper arm but send pain down the lower arm and into the hand.
Treatment for this syndrome includes massage therapy and dry needling. These two treatment techniques will help to break down the musculature that is compressing the nerve and alleviate the pressure placed on the nerve. Stretches will be given to help release the tight musculature.