What Is Neural Tension?

In physical therapy, we sometimes use the term neural tension to describe a specific issue or impairment—but what does that actually mean?

Neural tension refers to a condition where a nerve is either overstretched or has difficulty moving smoothly through the tissues and pathways it travels within your body. Unlike muscles or other soft tissues, nerves do not tolerate being stretched well. When a nerve is restricted or stretched beyond its comfort zone, it can become irritated and lead to symptoms commonly associated with neural tension.

What Are the Symptoms of Neural Tension?

Neural tension can manifest in various ways, including:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• A sensation of pressure
• A feeling similar to a tight muscle that extends along the length of a limb

These symptoms may vary depending on which nerve is involved and where it’s being restricted.

What Causes Neural Tension?

Before we dive into potential causes, let’s take a quick look at how your nervous system is structured.

Your brain connects to your spinal cord, which runs through your spine. At each level of the spine, nerves branch out from the spinal cord to supply sensation, motor control, and other functions to different areas of your body. In essence, your body is filled with nerves—from the tips of your fingers to the soles of your feet. That’s why you can feel touch, move muscles, and perform countless bodily functions with coordination and awareness.

Because nerves travel throughout the entire body, pinpointing where the tension originates can be tricky. The source of the restriction might be anywhere along the nerve’s path—such as a tight neck, a stiff joint, adhered connective tissue, a weak muscle, or even a herniated disc.

How Is Neural Tension Treated in Physical Therapy?

As physical therapists, we focus on identifying all the possible sites where the nerve may be restricted. Once we’ve narrowed down the source, we can target treatment to that specific area.

A common intervention is the use of nerve glides or nerve tensioners, which are gentle exercises designed to help the nerve move more freely within its surrounding tissues. These techniques promote better mobility and reduce irritation, allowing the nerve to function more normally throughout its pathway. Check out these videos for examples of nerve glide exercises.

If you think you may be experiencing neural tension, we can help! Schedule an appointment here, call us at 312-643-1555, or email info@dynamic-pt.com.