Ever had that annoying feeling of numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or somewhere else? It’s not just some random quirk of your body—it’s your nerves trying to tell you something important. Healthy nerves need three things to stay pain-free and function well: space, movement, and a good blood supply. Without these, they start to throw a fit, and you feel the consequences, like chronic pain, numbness, or even tingling.
Let’s break it down.
1. Space: Give Your Nerves Room to Breathe
Nerves run through your body like intricate wiring, and just like cables, they need room to work. If something is compressing your nerves—like tight muscles, certain postures, or even joint stiffness—they’re going to start screaming for help. Compression can lead to that numb, tingling sensation or even sharp pain that often brings people into physical therapy for relief.
So, what’s the solution? Keep things moving and give your body space to adjust. This often looks like stretching and moving into postures that you don’t typically rest in. Try incorporating breaks into your repetitive tasks and move around a bit to create space for your nerves. This simple change can help prevent chronic compression that leads to ongoing discomfort.
2. Movement: Nerves Like to Glide
Nerves aren’t static—they move and glide as you move. Think of them like rubber bands; they need to stretch and slide as your body does. If you’re sitting still for too long or restricting certain movements, those nerves can get stuck, leading to discomfort. This kind of restriction often contributes to chronic pain, which is why physical therapists emphasize mobility and flexibility.
Simple movements and stretches that target nerve mobility—like nerve glides—can keep things running smoothly. These exercises are designed to help your nerves move freely within their spaces, preventing sensations like pins and needles or numbness. They’re a key part of physical therapy practices focused on pain relief and prevention.
3. Blood: Fuel for Your Nerves
Just like every other part of your body, nerves need a good blood supply to function properly. When blood flow is restricted, nerves don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling. Physical activity helps pump fresh, oxygenated blood through your system, nourishing your nerves and supporting optimal function.
This is another reason why staying active is crucial. When you’re stuck in one position too long, blood flow can become sluggish, which doesn’t do your nerves any favors. Regular movement keeps your circulation—and your nerves—in tip-top shape, supporting not only pain prevention but overall physical health.
What to Do if Your Nerves Are Acting Up
If you’re already dealing with nerve pain, numbness, or tingling, it’s time to get proactive. Stretching, strength training, and movement can all help, but sometimes nerves need a little extra care. That’s where I come in. At Mindful Motion Physical Therapy, we can help create a personalized plan to give your nerves the space, movement, and blood flow they need to function without pain.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Reach out by email at info@mindfulmotionpt.org or call us at 773-609-4560, and let’s get those nerves back to their happy place!
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