Learn – Nerve Irritation
Nerve irritation
Nerve irritation can range from mild to severely limiting and often feels like there’s no relief from the pain. This irritation can show up in many different ways, as the brain receives strong signals when a nerve is irritated.
It’s common for people to have nerve irritation without realising it. For example, someone might experience back pain and an ache in the leg that feels like simple muscle tightness. Neurodynamic testing can reveal underlying nerve irritation, often alongside movement restrictions in the back, hips or mid-back and related muscle tightness.
What does nerve
irritation feel like?
Nerve irritation can feel different for everyone, depending on which part of the body is affected. Common sensations and symptoms include:
Aching or headaches
Sharp or shooting pain
Numbness or tingling
Tightness or cramping that doesn’t ease with stretching or massage
Restricted or uncoordinated movement
Radiating pain in the arm or leg
Pain around the buttock or shoulder blade
A feeling of weakness or instability
These symptoms can range from mild to intense and may shift depending on movement or posture.
How do I know if I have it & what can I do about it? —
Nerve irritation can be accurately assessed using gentle, specific manual therapy tests performed by a physiotherapist trained in the Barefoot Physiotherapy Plan™. If testing indicates nerve irritability, there are effective ways to support recovery and reduce symptoms.
1. Begin gentle, targeted treatment
This treatment is non-aggravating and focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the irritation. Some people feel relief immediately after a session, while others notice mild fatigue or achiness. Both are normal signs of the body adjusting to treatment. Pain should not worsen after appropriate care.
2. Reduce aggravation in daily life
Certain positions or habits can place additional strain on irritated nerves. Making small changes helps create space for healing:
Limit long periods of sitting (at work, in the car, or at home). When sitting is necessary, aim for the best posture and support possible.
Adjust your car seat so arms and legs are not outstretched. If pain is strong, it may be best to avoid driving temporarily.
When walking, take shorter, slower steps to stay steady and avoid limping.
Avoid stretching or exercising until cleared to do so.
Try not to carry items in the affected arm (handbags, groceries, children, etc.).
Avoid propping your head up with pillows to read or use a laptop in bed. Instead, lie on your side or raise your device to eye level.
Your physiotherapist may also recommend supportive taping or strategies to make movement more comfortable.
The goal is always to help you return to regular life as soon as possible. Nerve irritation is one of the few conditions where limiting activity temporarily can speed up full recovery, often within just a few days of consistent care and support.
Nerve irritation, will it recover?
With the right care, nerve irritation can settle quickly. Most people notice significant improvement within two to four sessions in the first week of treatment.
Without appropriate support, recovery can take several weeks, and in some cases, symptoms may persist or return. In rare situations where nerve compression causes muscle weakness, surgical treatment may be required.
Barefoot Physiotherapy sees this condition respond well every day, with clients often surprised by how much progress they can make once the true cause is identified and treated.
The underlying cause —
Nerve root irritation most commonly results from accumulative strain on the body which is built up over a period of time (hours, days, weeks, months or years). Accumulative strain can be assessed as tight muscles, stiff joints, muscle weakness, poor posture/technique with work & sport or a stress on the body (emotional, psychological, etc).
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Each Barefoot treatment plan is designed to uncover the most effective way to calm the body, restore movement and keep it that way. Individualised care may include muscle release work, motor control exercises, and practical strategies to support lasting relief.
The focus is always on helping each person move freely, reduce pain, and build confidence in their body again. Barefoot Physiotherapy continues to be one of Brisbane’s most trusted clinics for considered, evidence-based care that makes a genuine difference.