How to treat a pinched nerve – Tips For Living Better

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure or force on an area of a nerve, causing it to send pain signals to the brain. Most cases are mild, and a person can often treat them at home.

How to treat a pinched nerve

This video explains how you can treat a pinched nerve.

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In this article, learn what a pinched nerve is, how to reduce the symptoms of a pinched nerve, and how to prevent them in the future.

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What is a pinched nerve?

Radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve, occurs when there is damage or injury to a nerve or set of nerves. The injury may resultTrusted Source from compression, constriction, or stretching.

Symptoms includeTrusted Source:

numbness
“pins and needles”, tingling, or burning sensations
pain radiating outward from the injured area

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body but happen most often in the neck, back, elbows, and wrists.

Carpal tunnel syndromeoccurs due to the median nerve becoming squeezed or pinched as it travels through the wrist, and cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes trapped in the elbow.

Peripheral neuropathy can also present similarly to a pinched nerve, with a person experiencing numbness, pain, and tingling in the hands or feet. It is distinct from a pinched nerve.

10 home remedies for a pinched nerve

There are a variety of ways a person can relieve the pain of a pinched nerve at home.

1. Extra sleep and rest

Sleep is essential for a healing nerve. The body repairs itselfTrusted Source during sleep, so giving it more time to do so may help reduce symptoms quicker.

In many cases, resting the affected area and getting extra sleep is enough to allow the pinched nerve to heal on its own.

While treating a pinched nerve, it is also important not to overuse the nerve. A person with a pinched nerve should avoid any movements that irritate the nerve. They should also try to sleep in a position that relieves the pressure on the nerve.

2. Change of posture

A pinched nerve may be caused by or made worse by unhealthy posture. Sitting or standing with an incorrect posture for extended periods puts unnecessary stress on the body, which may damage the spine and muscles, leading to a pinched nerve.

Using cushions, adjustable chairs, and neck rests when sitting may help relieve pressure and allow the nerve to heal.

3. Ergonomic workstation

People dealing with pinched nerves could try making changes in their workstation.

Using an ergonomic mouse and keyboard may help reduce pressure on the hands and wrists. Raising a computer monitor to eye level may help reduce neck pain and symptoms of text neck.

Using a standing workstation or desk can help keep the spine moving and flexible, which could reduce back pain.

Ergonomic workstations have a range of positional options suitable for many types of pinched nerves.

The best way to find the right position is for an individual to experiment with the settings to see which position relieves pressure.

4. Pain relieving medications

Over-the-counter pain medications may also helpTrusted Source with a pinched nerve. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in cases of minor pinched nerves.

As with any drug, it is important to consult a doctor for dosage recommendations and any potential interactions before using NSAIDs.

5. Stretching and yoga

Gentle stretching and yoga may help relieve tension and pressure in the area. It is important not to stretch too deeply, as this may make symptoms worse.

Whilst some stretches might cause slight discomfort, if a person experiences moderate to severe pain they should stop immediately to avoid damaging the nerve any further.

6. Massage or physical therapy

Having a massage may also help reduce physical pain and stress. Applying gentle pressure around the affected area may help relieve tension, and a full body massage can help the muscles relax.

Deep tissue massages may not be a good idea because the extra pressure may make the symptoms worse.

Physical therapy, using a combination of exercise, massage, and gentle stretches, can help relieve symptoms.

7. Splint

If it is possible, wearing a splint on the affected area can help prevent further damage and help the nerve heal. This is a standard treatment for pinched nerves in the hands and wrists.

It is especially important to wear the splint at night to prevent compression. The splint will help take pressure off the nerve.

8. Elevate the legs

People with pinched nerves in the back may find relief by elevating their legs to reduce pressure on nerves in the back.

A person can achieve this by putting a few pillows under their knees, so their legs are at an angle to the body.

9. Ice and heat packs

Alternating between heat and ice packs may help reduce swelling and inflammation. The combination of hot and cold increases the circulation of fresh blood to the area, which may relieve pain.

10. Lifestyle changes

In the long term, adding low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, to a daily regimen may help reduce symptoms.

Losing excess weight can help reduce pressure on the nerves, and the added mobility from a regular workout may reduce inflammation.

Stretching before or after low-impact exercises can help keep the body flexible and reduce pressure and inflammation near the nerves.

To function well, the nerves also need adequate nutrition. A person may wish to check they are getting enough B vitamins.

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Causes of pinched nerves

A pinched nerve typically happens when a nerve is inflamed or damaged and cannot send regular signals to the brain, which may cause feelings of numbness and tingling.

A pinched nerve can happen for a range of reasons, such as:

sports injuries
repetitive movements
an imbalanced posture
spinal curves, such as scoliosis or lordosis
a herniated disk
bone spurs
arthritis
spinal fractures

Extra pressure and weight caused by obesity may also lead to pinched nerves.

When to see a doctor

A pinched nerve is sending warning signs to the brain, so it is important that people listen to them. Anyone feeling pain from a pinched nerve that continues after regular treatments or lasts for more than a few days should report it to a doctor.

There are a few symptoms that require medical attention as soon as possible, including:

a pinched nerve affecting the bladder
an inability to grip objects or a tendency to drop things
nerve damage that causes a limb or area of the body to give out or collapse

Doctors may request imaging tests, such as a MRI or a CT scan, to get a better picture of the nerves and how they are affected. Alternatively, they may request an electromyography test.

This will help narrow down treatment options, which include pain medications or corticosteroids, physical therapy, injections, or, in severe cases, surgery.

Surgical treatment comes with its risks and complications, so anyone considering surgery should work directly with their doctor to find a treatment plan that is right for their personal needs.

FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about a pinched nerve.

How does a person relieve a pinched nerve?

Getting enough sleep, taking pain relief, doing gentle stretches, and having a massage are ways to relieve a pinched nerve.

Do pinched nerves go away on their own?

Most cases of pinched nerves go away on their own.

Over 85% of acute pinched nerves in the neck resolve without any specific treatments within 8 to 12 weeks.

However, to reduce inflammation, it may help to try treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy.

How long does it take a pinched nerve to heal?

Depending on the severity and underlying cause, a pinched nerve may heal in a few days or weeks.

Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?

A chiropractor may be able to help treat a pinched nerve in some cases, but this can depend on the cause.

For example, if a person has a pinched nerve due to spinal degeneration, they may need more intensive treatments to address the damage.

The technique a chiropractor uses could also influence the results. Direct manipulation of the spine could worsen symptoms, but indirect techniques may help.

Summary

Most pinched nerves are temporary, and may get better with rest and home care, such as OTC pain medications or hot and cold therapy. Persistent or recurring symptoms may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires medical treatment.

Good self-care, such as maintaining a healthy posture, can help keep pressure from building up around the nerves.

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