a nerve protection barrier having a compression resistant covering which surrounds and protects a portion of the nerve from impingement by surrounding tissues . the compression resistant covering has a radial dimension which is larger than the outer diameter of the nerve , and an axial dimension which is long enough to protect at least a portion of the nerve which is at risk of impingement by surrounding tissues . the compression resistant covering being resistant to compression in the radial dimension , while being flexible in the axial dimension and is formed from one or more bio - compatible materials selected from the group consisting of polymers , metals , alloys , ceramics and composites thereof . the compression resistant covering may also protect the nerve from the surrounding chemical environment . the nerve protection barrier may further contain time released therapeutic drugs / medications .