Best way to heal a pinched nerve

Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Prescott was formed in 2010 by a group of subspecialty radiologists that perform numerous minimally-invasive, low-risk procedures using the tools of our trade for guidance—x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI. The team’s goal is to educate patients and medical communities, while also providing safe and compassionate health care, with rapid recovery times and low risk of complications.

Having a pinched nerve may put a pause on your daily activities. A pinched nerve is often located in the neck or lower back. However, it may also be found in other areas of the body, such as the shoulder, elbow, or hip. If you have a pinched nerve, you may try several home remedies to help ease the pain and discomfort.

If home remedies do not provide relief, it may be time to consider other options such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or visiting your trusted orthopedic practice

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

When tissues impede on nearby nerves or apply too much pressure to the nerve, it is referred to as a pinched nerve. It is a relatively common issue that may develop from several different conditions and lifestyle factors, including:

  • Poor posture
  • Slipped disc
  • Repetitive movements
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis

Having a pinched nerve that only lasts for a short time is not usually cause for concern. However, if the pinched nerve does not go away or if it causes significant pain, you should consult with your healthcare provider. Permanent nerve damage may occur if the condition is left untreated.

What Does a Pinched Nerve Feel Like?

The symptoms of a pinched nerve vary depending on the location of the nerve. However, the most common symptom is pain that radiates from the area of the nerve to other parts of the body.

When the pinched nerve is in the neck, you may experience pain that radiates down your arm and into your hand. If the pinched nerve is in your lower back, you may experience pain that radiates down your leg and into your foot.

 Other symptoms of a pinched nerve may include:

  • Tingling or numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Burning or aching sensations
  • Reduced ability to move the affected limb

Symptoms of a pinched nerve usually develop gradually. However, in some cases, the symptoms may come on suddenly and without warning. The pain from a pinched nerve is often made worse by coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods of time. Early diagnosis and treatment of a pinched nerve are essential to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Ways to Treat a Pinched Nerve At Home

Some home remedies for a pinched nerve may include:

Resting the Affected Area

When you have a pinched nerve giving yourself time to rest is important. Avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms. If your job requires you to sit for long periods, take frequent breaks to move around and stretch. If your job is physically demanding, take a few days off to rest your body and allow the nerve to heal.

Applying Ice

While you rest, apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. The ice will help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Moreover, it may numb the area and provide some pain relief. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel to avoid damaging your skin.

Using Heat Therapy

In addition to using ice, you may also find relief from heat therapy. Heat may help to increase blood flow and relax the muscles surrounding the pinched nerve. Apply a heating pad to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You may also take a warm bath with Epsom salts to help relax your muscles.

Stretching and Exercises

Stretching and exercises may help to improve your range of motion and reduce the pressure on the nerve. However, before starting any new exercises, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you to develop a safe and effective exercise routine.

If home remedies do not provide relief, you may want to consider other conservative options such as:

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the pinched nerve. They may also use massage, heat, or ice to help reduce pain and inflammation. Furthermore, a physical therapist can suggest specific stretches and exercises that may help to relieve your pinched nerve.

Chiropractic Care

Visiting a chiropractor may also help to relieve a pinched nerve. A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulation to realign the spine and take the pressure off of the nerve. In addition, they may use massage or other techniques to reduce pain and inflammation.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may relieve a pinched nerve by reducing muscle tension and inflammation. During treatment, a massage therapist will use their hands to apply pressure and manipulate the muscles and soft tissues. Going to massage therapy may provide immediate pain relief as well as long-term benefits.

Visit Motion Orthopaedics

If conservative treatment options are ineffective, it may be time to visit Motion Orthopaedics. Our team is committed to providing patients with the highest quality of care. We offer various treatment options for many types of conditions, including slipped discs, pinched nerves, arthritis and more. To get on the path to recovery, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Best way to heal a pinched nerve

Book an Appointment

Search Submit

Recent Posts

  • Tips to Stay Active During the Winter Season
  • What Does a Sports Medicine Physician Do?
  • Motion Orthopaedics Hosts Toys for Tots Toy Drive
  • Why It’s Important to Prioritize Exercise Recovery
  • Top 6 Overuse Injuries in Sports Medicine

Areas of Pain

  • Elbow
  • Foot & Ankle
  • Hand & Wrist
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Shoulder
  • Spine

Resources

  • Patient Information
  • Workers’ Compensation
  • Locations
  • Reviews

Share This

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email

Related Posts

Best way to heal a pinched nerve

Tips to Reduce Running Injuries

Running is a great way to stay active. Follow these tips to help prevent running injuries during exercise.

Best way to heal a pinched nerve

How to Help Tight Shoulders

Tight shoulders may come from stress, poor posture, or past injuries. Fortunately, there are several ways to loosen tight shoulders.

Best way to heal a pinched nerve

6 Causes of Knee Pain When Running

Knee pain when running is one of the most common complaints among athletes. Here's what causes it and some tips for preventing it during your workout.

How long does it take for a pinched nerve to heal?

With rest and other conservative treatments, most people recover from a pinched nerve within a few days or weeks. Sometimes, surgery is needed to relieve pain from a pinched nerve.

What calms a pinched nerve?

There are a variety of ways a person can relieve the pain of a pinched nerve at home..
Extra sleep and rest. Sleep is essential for a healing nerve. ... .
Change of posture. ... .
Ergonomic workstation. ... .
Pain relieving medications. ... .
Stretching and yoga. ... .
Massage or physical therapy. ... .
Splint. ... .
Elevate the legs..

Can a pinched nerve repair itself?

Healing and un-pinching Most cases of pinched nerves go away on their own, with some rest. During the healing, avoid over-use of the affected area. If certain movements cause pain, avoid those irritants if possible. Remember, there is inflammation compressing the nerves.

How do you naturally fix a pinched nerve?

Sometimes, simply standing and sitting up straight can make all the difference by relieving pressure on the nerve. Try hot or cold compresses. Many people find relief by alternating between ice packs used for 20 minutes, then heat packs used for 20 minutes. This reduces swelling, inflammation, and relieves pain.