Neurologist Questions Neurologist

Does exercising help nerve damage?

I have nerve damage in my leg. Does exercising help nerve damage?

2 Answers

Yes rehabilitation will help improve your function
There is mixed evidence on whether exercise can help nerve damage. Some studies suggest that exercise can help improve nerve function and promote nerve regeneration, while other studies find no significant improvements.
However, it is generally agreed that exercise is beneficial for overall health and well-being, and can help reduce the risk of developing other health problems.

Nerve damage can vary greatly from individual to individual and depends on the actual injury. Still, there are a few things that are generally known about how exercise can help promote nerve regeneration.

Exercise promotes nerve regeneration due to the release of growth factors and hormones like BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), which are known to promote nerve regeneration. These factors promote new cell growth and encourage angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels. This increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area, which helps to promote healing. Additionally, exercise can help to reduce inflammation, which is often a complication after nerve injury, and can help reduce inflammation and scarring around the injury site, both of which can impede nerve regeneration.

All of these effects likely contribute to why exercise is often recommended as a part of rehabilitation for people who have suffered nerve damage. While there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone, there is evidence that it can help in many cases. Make sure to speak with your medical provider to see if exercise if a good fit for your condition.