Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Nerve pain — burning, shooting, radiating, electric sensations — can be debilitating. The good news is that physiotherapy is highly effective for nerve pain caused by mechanical compression or restriction, which represents the majority of presentations.
How Nerves Can Become Painful
Peripheral nerves travel from the spinal cord through tunnels of muscle and fascia to reach their target tissues. At multiple points along this journey, nerves can be compressed, stretched, or restricted:
- At the spine — disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or facet joint hypertrophy can compress nerve roots as they exit the spine
- At peripheral entrapment sites — carpal tunnel (median nerve), cubital tunnel (ulnar nerve), piriformis (sciatic nerve), thoracic outlet (brachial plexus)
- Through restricted neural mobility — when surrounding tissue restricts the nerve's normal ability to glide and slide with movement
Common Nerve Pain Presentations
Sciatica (Lumbar Nerve Root Irritation)
Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg. Caused by L4, L5, or S1 nerve root compression — most commonly from disc herniation. Neural mobilisation and McKenzie-based exercises are highly effective. See our article on sciatica physiotherapy.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Arm Pain from Neck)
Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating from the neck into the arm. C5, C6, and C7 nerve roots are most commonly affected. Cervical traction, manual therapy, and neural mobilisation reduce symptoms significantly.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Median nerve compression at the wrist causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger — classically worse at night. Physiotherapy includes neural mobilisation, tendon gliding, splinting, and workstation modification. See our article on carpal tunnel physiotherapy.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow causes numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. Common in people who rest the elbow on hard surfaces or maintain prolonged elbow flexion. Elbow padding, nerve mobilisation, and activity modification are effective.
Neural Mobilisation: The Evidence
Neural mobilisation (nerve gliding or nerve flossing) involves rhythmic movements designed to promote nerve sliding within its connective tissue sheath. Systematic reviews support neural mobilisation for reducing pain and improving function in carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, and sciatica. Technique is critical — gentle, progressive, and always below the threshold of symptom reproduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does physiotherapy treat nerve pain differently from medication?
Medications (nerve pain drugs like pregabalin and amitriptyline) reduce the sensitivity of nerve pain signals — they don't address the mechanical cause. Physiotherapy identifies where the nerve is compressed or restricted and treats that specific cause: mobilising the spine to reduce disc or facet compression, releasing tight tissues at peripheral entrapment sites, and restoring nerve mobility through neural mobilisation exercises.
What does nerve pain feel like compared to muscle pain?
Nerve pain is typically described as burning, shooting, electric, stabbing, or like "pins and needles" — and it often radiates along the distribution of the affected nerve. Muscle pain is more localized, aching, and cramping. Nerve pain is commonly worse at night, with sustained positions, or with movements that stretch the nerve.
What is nerve flossing and does it work?
Nerve flossing (neural mobilisation) involves gentle rhythmic movements that alternately lengthen and shorten the neural pathway — allowing the nerve to "floss" through its surrounding tissues. It is highly effective for reducing neural tension symptoms from carpal tunnel, sciatica, and cervical radiculopathy. The technique must be performed correctly — too aggressive and it can aggravate symptoms.
My GP said I have "trapped nerve." What should I do?
See a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment to identify where the nerve is compressed and what is causing it. Common entrapment sites include: the lumbar spine (sciatica), cervical spine (arm pain/radiculopathy), carpal tunnel (median nerve at wrist), cubital tunnel (ulnar nerve at elbow), and piriformis (sciatic nerve in the buttock). Treatment varies significantly depending on the location.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora