There’s nothing worse than a pinched nerve. The feeling of pins and needles, numbness, burning, and tingling can all result from a pinched nerve. And the worst part is, in the right conditions it doesn’t take much to cause it; oftentimes, just extended cases of poor posture is enough to create a pinched nerve. These can happen in various parts of the body, but are usually experienced in the wrists, elbows, back, and neck.
Thankfully, there are plenty of natural home remedies to un-pinch that pinched nerve. Check out our list below to relieve yourself of the pinched nerve pain.
1. Yoga And Proper Stretching
Yoga and gentle stretching are the perfect remedies for a pinched nerve, especially those along the spine in the neck or back. It’s all about loosening the nerves, taking pressure and tension off the area.
But remember: keep it light and easy. Overdoing your yoga poses can potentially lead to worse symptoms, as you might end up putting more pressure on your nerves instead of relieving them. Stick to the simple stretches and keep at it over time.
2. Change The Way You Work
The modern workstation isn’t the best for the health of our nerves. The mouse and keyboard positions are sometimes terrible for our wrists and hands, the computer monitor level can be disastrous for our neck, and sitting at a desk all day isn’t great for the back.
So change up your workstation and make it ergonomically friendly. Make sure that your computer monitor doesn’t force your neck to bend back; keep it at eye level. Keep an eye on your wrist and hands every half-hour and give them a break from their usual routine. And consider using a standing workstation, relieving the constant tension on your spine when you sit.
3. Rest
Like for most problems, rest is the best thing you can give your body. When you sleep, the body naturally heals itself and repairs all its aches and pains.
Your pinched nerves get worse when they are overused, so it’s important to stop all movements that can cause pain to the pinched areas. This means finding the best sleeping and resting position, one that puts no pressure on the pained area.
4. Wear A Splint
You need to keep the pained area still, avoiding all movement that aggravates the pain. A good way to do this is with a splint along the pinched nerve.
This gives it the protection it needs from any movement that might occur, intentional or by accident. With no movement, the nerve is free to heal on its own.
5. Heat Packs / Ice Packs
When nerves become pinched, this usually comes with inflammation and swelling in the area. If this happens, you will want to alternately apply ice and heat packs along the swollen area.
Ice packs should be applied for a quarter of an hour, three times a day, while you should apply a heat pad for thirty minutes to an hour.
6. Posture Changes
As we said earlier, pinched nerves and bad posture are best friends. Relieving your pinched nerves involves fixing your bad posture, to give your body an opportunity to fix the damage you’ve caused to the muscles and spine. This means being more conscious of your slouching and stooped-over positions.
Neck rests, cushions, and chairs that you can adjust for comfort are great choices, especially if you have to sit at a desk for long periods of time.
7. Keep Your Legs Elevated
If you’re experiencing back-related pinched nerves, then leg elevation is a great way to relieve your pain. By lying down and keeping your legs elevated upwards, you relieve your spine of any extra tension and pressure. You want to create a 45-degree angle with your legs and body, and you can do this at home by taking your knees and stacking pillows beneath them.
8. Pain Medications
Pain medications are a quick and easy way to relieve the pain long enough to find a long-term solution. You will need anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be bought at any pharmacy. If you are on any special medication, it is important to consult your doctor before taking anything else.
9. Physical Therapy: The First Choice Chiropractic Solution
One of the most effective and long-term methods for pinched nerve relief is with physical therapy, and at First Choice Chiropractic, we have helped countless patients with their pinched nerves.
Our method involves applying proper pressure in the affected area, and physically relieving the tension by loosening the nerves. With a team of professionally-trained chiropractors, we can help even the worst cases of pinched nerves and offer that long-term relief you need.
Book your appointment with us today, or contact us to learn more about First Choice Chiropractic. Don’t live another day with the unnecessary pain of a pinched nerve!
