Nerve pain explained!
Many physios are confused about the definitions of nerve pain, and we don’t blame you. It can be confusing!
This blog is meant to clear up some of that confusion.
Below are some basic definitions:
Radicular pain
= pain caused by a problem at the nerve root
Radiculopathy
= weakness, numbness (loss of function) caused by a problem at the nerve root
= often together (“painful radiculopathy”) but not always!
Sciatica
= old fashioned word for radicular pain
Referred pain
= pain from a problem in a muscle, joint etc. that is felt in a different place to where the problem is
Mechanosensitivity
= when a nerve is sensitive to movement
Does it make more sense now? Hopefully this short read helped clear up a few things!
Want to learn more?
The definitions above are taken from our Masterclass on Assessing and managing radicular pain with Tom Jesson. You can watch the whole thing here + lots of other classes.
Assessing and managing radicular pain!
Watch this 2 hr Masterclass today and become more confident when treating patients with nerve related issues.
Learn more
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