Why does compression of a nerve cause any kind of feeling at all?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the effects of nerve compression, specifically how it relates to the transmission of electrical signals along nerves. It explores whether the compression pushes charges away from the affected area, contributing to sensations like pain or numbness. The conversation also touches on the classification of the topic as both physics and biology, questioning the rationale behind the forum's categorization of the post. Participants clarify that nerve compression can impair blood flow and nerve function, leading to various sensations, including pain, numbness, and tingling. Mechanosensitive ion channels in neurons are mentioned as a factor in how physical deformation can trigger responses in nerve cells.
k9b4
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Is it because the charges in the nerve are being pushed away from the compressed area, thus sending electrical signal along the nerve?

Why was my post moved from physics forum to biology forum? This question could be classified as both physics and biology as I am asking about charges.

What's the difference between physics and biology?
 
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k9b4 said:
Is it because the charges in the nerve are being pushed away from the compressed area, thus sending electrical signal along the nerve?

Why was my post moved from physics forum to biology forum? This question could be classified as both physics and biology as I am asking about charges.

What's the difference between physics and biology?

Do you have a mainstream reference that suggests the compression of different kinds of nerves can cause pain? Normally that would cause numbness and maybe tingling...
 
berkeman said:
Do you have a mainstream reference that suggests the compression of different kinds of nerves can cause pain? Normally that would cause numbness and maybe tingling...
Yes sorry, that was my incorrect use of the word. I have edited the title*.

My question is: Why does compression of a nerve cause any kind of feeling at all?

*The title was originally: Why does compression of a nerve cause pain?
 
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Well, compression of an area will restrict blood flow, which will impair nerve function. I'm not sure if compression will inhibit ionic flow at nerve junctions...

EDIT -- Ygggdrasil beat me to it.. :-)
 
Thanks both
 

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