Pinched Nerves

Physical therapists and chiropractors of all sorts are familiar with pinched nerves, and Dr. Brian M. Wraith of Bergen Physical Medicine is no exception. People accustomed to going to a chiropractor for help with herniated discs are familiar with how leaking spinal fluid compresses nerves, resulting in pain, tingling, or loss of function in the area of the compression or in an area the nerve leads to. But it is possible for any nerve to become pinched.

Pinched nerves tend to occur most frequently in areas where nerves don’t have a lot of soft tissue to cushion them from bones or outside forces. Some particular risk factors are scar tissue and swelling.  Scar tissue takes up additional space inside the body, reducing the space for a nerve and swelling causes increased pressure inside the body, resulting in pressure on a nerve. 

Nerves have their own protective covering, and can usually heal in time. However, the proper treatment can speed up healing and provide pain relief. Dr. Wraith’s office offers chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy to help patients reduce the pressure on a pinched nerve and take precautions against further compression.

Dr. Brian M. Wraith operates Bergen Physical Medicine at 323 Bergen Boulevard, Fairview, New Jersey, 07022. To schedule an appointment, call 201-945-9993 or visit BergenPhysicalMedicine.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Physical Therapy for a Stronger Pelvis

The most common type of bulging disc occurs in the lumbar spine (low back). Bulging discs occur because a weakened or deteriorated disc's gel-like inside forces the outer wall of the disc to extend out of its normal position.  Bulging discs can produce both localized and radiating pain (pain that travels) and often lead to disc herniation which occurs when the wall of the disc fails, allowing the gel-like material to leave the core of the disc and partially leak out.  Though this condition has numerous causes, bulging discs can worsen if the pelvic floor is weak. One of the keys to keeping your pelvic floor strong is to strengthen it through physical exercises, which is why our doctors at Bergen Physical Medicine would like to demonstrate some go-to moves for this purpose.

Bridge – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Inhale, engage your pelvic floor, and lift your hips. Hold up for 10 seconds, lower your hips back down and release your pelvic floor. Repeat 10 times.

Wall Squat – Stand against a wall, feet hip-width apart. Inhale, engage your pelvic floor, and lower yourself into a squat as if you are sitting back in a chair. Hold for 10 seconds. Rise back up to standing and release your pelvic floor. Rest for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times.

Jumping Jacks – We don’t need to explain how to do this one, but be sure to engage your pelvic floor as you jump your leg apart and bring your arms overhead. Release your pelvic floor as you hop your legs back together. Repeat for 30 to 60 seconds.

If you experience pelvic pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at the office, visit www.bergenphysicalmedicine.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Bergen Physical Medicine in Fairview, NJ, call 201-945-9993.

Take Care of You

At Bergen Physical Medicine, we believe that your top priority should always be yourself. Often-ignored but totally necessary, self-care is any action or behavior that helps us avoid triggering health problems and benefits us by improving our mental and physical health. Since self-care is a very individual thing, there’s no set prescription for how or when to do it. However, we do suggest utilizing some or all of these tips to treat you to a little rest and relaxation.

• Indulge in a massage – set aside some time to experience the complete and total bliss of a massage. It soothes both the mind and muscles, improves sleep quality, and reduces stress.


• Unplug – these days it seems like we’re all glued to our phones, laptops, or even both at the same time. Taking a break from social media, email, blogging, and so on can help us recharge and gives our brain the downtime it needs to work at an optimal level.


• Get outside – Ditching the comfort of your home is a great way to improve mental and physical health.


• Acupuncture - Acupuncture is a centuries old system of medicine designed to bring balance to your body's systems.  Don't worry; the needles don’t hurt.

To learn about the services we provide at the office, visit www.bergenphysicalmedicine.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Bergen Physical Medicine in Fairview, NJ, call 201-945-9993.