There is a 3 part series of articles explaining how the nervous system is related to pain on Todd Hargrove’s blog.
I would strongly recommend all bodyworkers to have a look at it as it is a very simple explanation of some key concepts.
Some points he raised:
- Nerves are flexible and slide back and forth as the body moves.
- Nerves are very large consumers of blood and oxygen, consuming 20% of the body’s oxygen while only making up 2% of the body’s mass.
- Nerves can become irritated when they are not allowed to move as freely as they need. eg. when a vertebral disc is pushing against them, when an arthritic porion of a bone presses on them.
- When the nerves become irritated, the body will react by limiting the motion that causes irritation or damage. eg. if the sciatic nerve is irritated, the central nervous system will prevent the hamstrings from lengthening in order to prevent over stretching or injuring the nerve.
- In this way it is possible that a hamstring may be tight due to a damaged sciatic nerve, in which case traditional stretching techniques may not be best.
- Traditional stretching techniques often can be uncomfortable and use a certain “no pain no gain” attitude. This in turn can overstretch a damaged nerve and actually slow down your chances of pain relief.
- Understanding the nerve may be irritated at some point in its path, the following principles should be used when stretching:
- It is necessary to move very slowly and calmly, staying within the pain free range.
- The central nervous system needs to accept that the new range can be achieved without pain or discomfort in order for the stretch to work.
- Feldenkreis method and Tai Chi are stretching techniques which incorporate these
anh le
i have the nerve pain for four months now. It originated from my left ear and spread down to my lelf neck, shoulder, my arm, my hips and my private part. I am painful when i go to washroom. I do not have any infection or fungus disease. I have not had a single day without pain. I went to doctor and he could not help me much. I tried different kinds of pain killer like motrin, tylenol, advil, etc but nothing helped at all. I feel like crying because of this constant pain. I do not know what it is? but it hurt so much more than I think. I wonder if you can help me by giving advice to which doctor should i go to? I am waiting to meet a neurologist but it will take a long time
So desperately in pain
Admin
I hope you are doing better. Unfortunately, I am not working in your area. If the problem is still there, you can try talking to an osteopath. Perhaps they can help you find relief.