How to help heal a pinched nerve

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.

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Do pinched nerves go away on their own?

Will a pinched nerve go away on its own? How long does it take? Yes, most will with time (normally four to six weeks). You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

How long do pinched nerves take 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.

How do you release a pinched nerve?

Below are 11 pinched nerve treatment options to try, depending on the exact location of your pinched nerve..

Adjust your posture. “Sitting or laying in certain positions may help the pain,” says Chang. ... .

Use a standing desk. ... .

Reposition your keyboard. ... .

Invest in roller balls. ... .

Wear a wrist splint. ... .

Rest. ... .

Stretch. ... .

Apply ice packs..

Can you massage out a pinched nerve?

The answer is yes! By applying pressure to the pinched nerve, it can help relieve tension, reduce pain and inflammation and promote circulation. It will also help relax you, your muscles and the affected area as well.