posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 8:02 PM
by
admin
What is "Nerve Root Adhesion"?
There is the formation of fibrosed tissue (scar tissue) in the process of a derangement (bulging disc, herniation...) being reduced and healed in our spine. If there is nerve root involvement in the episode--i.e. radiating or referred symptoms occur, the scar tissue would likely to also involve the nerve, causing nerve root adhesion. A typical symptom behavior of a nerve root adhesion is that one would consistently experience radiating symptoms (anywhere down from the spine) whenever he reaches the limited end range of a certain movement--i.e. when the scar that is adhered to the nerve is stretched. Such symptoms is very consistent with repetitive movements reaching certain end range, and it immediately subsides as you return from end range. None of the radiating symptoms would become sustained, unless the range of motion is severely limited.
The way to eliminate this phenomenon is by stretching the scar tissue, and thus to elongate the fibrosis. Therefore one would need to stretch progressively and carefully beyond the limited end range once the derangement is completely healed. The reason why it is important to stretch in this way is that the scar tissue limiting range of motion of that spinal segment causes the neighboring spinal segments to compromise for the restriction. Therefore those levels become more susceptible to injury or derangement.
Stretching the nerve root adhesion should be done when the derangement is completely healed and with proper precautions. If it is performed appropriately, re-injury can be prevented and functional abilities can be greatly increased.