What type of injury might require an assessment for nerve impingement?

Nerve impingement occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated, often resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness in the surrounding area where the nerve travels. Conditions involving nerve or disk contact, such as herniated disks or sciatica, are prime examples of situations where nerve impingement can occur. These conditions typically present symptoms that mimic or are associated with nerve entrapment, which necessitates a thorough assessment to identify the source of the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

In contrast, while ligament sprains, fractures, and muscle strains can result in various forms of pain and may impact nearby nerves, they do not primarily involve the direct compression or irritation of nerves themselves. While these injuries can co-occur with nerve issues, particularly in the cases of swelling or positioning, they do not inherently require a specific assessment for nerve impingement like conditions involving nerve or disk contact do.