Nerve Flossing

Not the Dance Move, But Just As Cool for Your Nerves

Alright, before you start thinking I’m about to teach you the latest TikTok dance move (I promise, no awkward arm waving here), let's talk about nerve flossing—also known as neural gliding or nerve stretching. It's a technique designed to restore the mobility of your peripheral nerves and get them gliding smoothly through their sheaths.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Nerve flossing? Is that like something you do to your nerves instead of your teeth?” Well, not exactly, but it’s pretty close in concept! When a nerve gets injured, it can’t glide through its surrounding sheath or covering as it normally would, and that can lead to some pretty sharp pain. Kind of like when your muscles get tight and stiff, nerves can also benefit from being stretched to reduce inflammation or compression.

Why Do Nerves Get Stuck?

Just like you might feel a little tight after a workout, nerves can get “stuck” too. When they get compressed or inflamed, they can’t glide freely, which leads to that sharp, stabbing, numbing pain that makes you wonder if your body is turning against you. Ouch, right? This is especially true after an injury or surgery, where the nerve is either compressed or inflamed.

Common nerve issues like sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome are often the culprits. And don’t think you’re off the hook if you don’t have a specific injury—nerves can get stuck in anyone, especially if you play sports, commute long distances, or carry heavy loads regularly. If you're feeling discomfort or pain shooting down your leg, through your wrist, or in your upper body, there’s a good chance your nerves are giving you a hard time.

How Does Nerve Flossing Work?

So, how does this nerve flossing magic work? It’s simple, really. Just like how you stretch your muscles after a workout, nerve flossing is a way to gently stretch and mobilize the nerves, helping them glide freely through their sheaths. By doing these exercises, you can relieve nerve compression and inflammation, and give your body the chance to heal.

Think of it like getting a knot out of a tangled necklace. The more you work on it, the smoother it slides! And while nerve flossing can work wonders for many, it’s not just for those suffering from serious nerve issues. Even if you're feeling no pain at all, practicing these exercises regularly can keep your nerve pathways in top shape and prevent future problems from popping up.

Who Should Do Nerve Flossing Exercises?

If you’re dealing with sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, or thoracic outlet syndrome, then nerve flossing exercises might be just what you need. These conditions involve nerve entrapments that can cause significant pain and discomfort. But even if you don’t have any of these issues, you can still benefit from nerve flossing to keep everything in check. It’s an easy way to keep those nerves happy and mobile, whether you’re an athlete, a commuter, or someone who just wants to keep their body in good working order.

Nerve Flossing + Chiropractic = Relief

While nerve flossing can certainly help, it’s often most effective when combined with other treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy. Chiropractic adjustments, for example, help address the root causes of nerve entrapment by improving spinal alignment and reducing pressure on the nerves. Pairing chiropractic care with nerve flossing exercises can lead to faster recovery and long-lasting relief.

If you’re dealing with chronic nerve pain or any of the syndromes mentioned above, it might be time to give nerve flossing a try. We’d be happy to show you the ropes (no awkward dancing required!) and teach you how to use these exercises to alleviate your pain and improve mobility.

Ready to Get Flossing?

So, the next time you’re feeling tightness, tingling, or pain in those usual nerve hotspots, remember: you’ve got an exercise for that. Nerve flossing is a great way to keep your nerves in tip-top shape and prevent future discomfort. If you’re ready to give it a go or need some guidance on how to get started, make an appointment with us today! Let’s get those nerves moving smoothly again.