Nerves in your body run throughout the muscles, tendons, and bones. If a nerve gets crowded or pressed, you may experience pain and weakness.
Luckily, pinched nerves can be treated with simple at-home methods. For instance, over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can assist in decreasing inflammation and eliminating the pain.
Find out how long does a pinched nerve last and modifying one lifestyle might hasten recovery duration varies healing may take weeks to months.
1. Massage
Nerves are like tiny electrical cords that power movement, function and feeling throughout the body. But when a nerve becomes compressed or pinched, it causes pain, tingling and other symptoms in the area of the compression. Pinched nerves can occur in the neck and back as a result of herniated discs, and in the wrist as a result of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Whether a pinched nerve is caused by spinal compression or tight muscles, ligaments and tendons, a massage can provide relief. However, a massage will not treat the cause of the pinched nerve, such as a herniated disk, which requires professional medical treatment. Instead, a massage will relieve pain and pressure on the nerves through techniques such as:
2. Yoga
Studies have shown that certain yoga exercises can help ease the pain of a pinched nerve. These include wrist rotations, neck tilts and shoulder blade squeezes. Gentle stretching can also soothe the nerve. These exercises should not be performed overly vigorously as they can worsen the symptoms.
Other treatments for pinched nerves include taking pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nerve membrane stabilizers are also commonly used, including Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Lyrica (Pregabalin). These medications reduce the pain signals sent from the nerves.
Although self-treatment may alleviate the discomfort of a pinched nerve, it is important to seek professional treatment for long-term relief and preventing future issues. A chiropractor can help identify the source of your pain, and provide treatment to eliminate it once and for all.
3. Ice
Using cold compresses, such as an ice bag or a small bundle of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, helps reduce inflammation and swelling around pinched nerves. It may also numb the area and help alleviate pain. You can use this therapy several times a day.
Inflammation is a common cause of a pinched nerve. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help reduce pain. Physicians may also prescribe muscle relaxants to help tense muscles relax and relieve pressure on the nerve. Nerve membrane stabilizers such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Lyrica) and amitriptyline (Pamelor) may help reduce nerve-related pain by suppressing the release of pain signals from the brain.
If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, you may need surgery to take pressure off the nerve. For example, herniated discs in the back can often be treated with surgical procedures such as laminotomies or foraminotomies that remove sections of bone to create more space for the nerves.
4. Heat
While icing the affected area can reduce swelling and pain, applying heat to the area can increase blood flow. This improves nerve function and decreases inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also be taken for pain relief.
Practicing good posture and regularly stretching your neck and back can relax muscles and relieve pressure on nerves. You can also try low-impact exercises, such as swimming and walking, to keep your body healthy without putting too much stress on your joints.
If at-home treatments aren’t providing relief or your pinched nerve symptoms worsen, contact a chiropractic professional for advice. A chiropractor can provide you with a wellness strategy that will support the health of your spine and musculoskeletal system, resulting in quick and lasting relief from your pinched nerve pain.
5. Exercise
Your spine is a remarkable structure that houses and protects some of the most important nerves in your body. But if something goes wrong with your vertebrae, discs, or other structures in and around your back, it can lead to pinched nerve pain.
Mild pinched nerve symptoms are usually treatable with rest, ice, and other home treatments. More serious cases require medication, physical therapy, or surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
If you’re not getting better with self-treatment, consult a physical therapist specializing in neuropathy treatment for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Physical therapy can alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by a pinched nerve by strengthening and stretching the affected muscles. This type of therapy also addresses the underlying causes of your symptoms and helps you prevent future episodes.