What to Do About a Pinched Nerve

A pinched or compressed nerve delivers a particular type of pain. When surrounding tissues press on nerve roots, a patient can experience pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The symptoms of a pinched nerve can radiate throughout the body.

Pinched nerves often originate in the neck, upper middle back, or lower back. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome can also result from a pinched nerve.

While a compressed nerve is painful, it’s also highly treatable. Many patients who experience a pinched nerve can find relief through at-home treatments. However, any radiating pain, numbness, and muscle weakness should be evaluated by a physician.

Extra Sleep and Rest

The most important treatment for a pinched nerve is extra sleep and rest. Since nerve damage can worsen with overuse, you should take extra care to reduce movements that irritate your compressed nerve.

Since the body uses sleep to heal and repair itself, patients experiencing a pinched nerve should slow down their schedule and allow for extra sleep to reduce symptoms and promote healing.

Focus on Alignment

Changing your posture, upgrading your workstation to a more ergonomic one, or visiting a chiropractor to adjust any misalignments in your joints and spine can reduce the pain of a pinched nerve.

These changes can prevent further compressions in the nerves. When your spine and joints are correctly aligned, you’re less likely to suffer from a pinched nerve.

Alternating Ice and Heat Therapy

Strategically alternating between ice and heat therapy can reduce swelling and inflammation, effectively relieving the pressure on the nerve. Hot and cold packs increase blood flow to the affected area, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to promote healing.

You should apply ice packs for no longer than 15 minutes at a time, three times a day, to reduce inflammation. However, you can use a heating pad for up to an hour, three times a day.

Stretching, Yoga, and Physical Therapy

Gentle stretching, a relaxing yoga class, and physical therapy are all options for using mild movements and exercises to alleviate the symptoms of a compressed nerve. A physical therapist can guide you through workouts and practices to relieve the affected area’s tension. Additionally, slow stretching and yoga can work to relax surrounding muscles and relieve the tightness and strain that can surround painful nerves.

Incorporating low-impact exercises into your daily routine can be a powerful way to avoid further nerve compression. Walking, biking, and swimming can promote mobility, relieve pressure on the nerves, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

This post was written by a medical professional at https://www.stemedix.com. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.

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Santana Dickens

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