There are few conditions more painful and more irritating than a pinched nerve, but what exactly is a pinched nerve? This occurs when tissue around a nerve gets pressed or “pinched” against the nerve, causing inflammation and pain until it heals. Having poor health or nutrition can worsen the pain.
Thankfully, there are several ways you can approach pinched nerve treatment and relieve your pain on your own or with a little help. Here’s how:
1. Take A Break
Like most ailments, a nice long break is often the best solution. This means giving the affected or surrounding muscles and joints a rest, preventing any further use. If a specific movement is irritating the pain, avoid moving that way and isolate the area.
It is also vital that you make sure to get enough sleep (and if you can, add a few extra hours every night). Your pinched nerve symptoms should begin to decrease after the first night immediately, as you are giving your body the time to recover.
2. Fix Your Posture
Bad posture is a huge proponent of pinched nerves. Sitting awkwardly or hunched over puts unnecessary stress on vulnerable parts of your neck and back; many people who work in an office or at a desk all day suffer pinched nerves as a result of bad posture.
So it’s time to fix your posture. Make sure to keep your back straight while you sit, and be sure that your computer monitor is at eye-level, so that you aren’t looking up or down for hours at a desk.
3. Stretch
Pinched nerves can sometimes be fixed by simply stretching out the stressed and pressed nerves, and this means doing some stretches. Don’t worry – you don’t have to be a master yogi; gentle and occasional stretches are enough for successful pinched nerve treatment. Remember: keep it light, because overdoing your stretches can actually worsen your condition.
4. Apply Ice And Heat
Applying ice packs and heating pads to your pinched nerves in intervals can help in reducing any inflammation and swelling around the affected area. It’s important to lessen any inflammation, as this swelling can further contribute to the stress around the pinched nerve.
Rotate between applying heating pads and ice packs on the area; this is known as hydrotherapy. Apply the ice pack with light pressure to the swollen area for 15 minutes, 3 times per day. Doing this for longer than 15 minutes is not recommended, as it will slow down the healing process by slowing your blood flow.
For heat, a heat pad or hot water bottle should be pressed lightly against the swollen area for an hour, 4-5 times per week. Alternatively, you can take a warm bath.
5. Use A Standing Workstation
As we said earlier, bad posture is one of the leading causes for pinched nerves, especially amongst those who sit at a desk in an office all day. Replacing your desk with a standing workstation is a great way to fend off any possible pinched nerves.
Not only does a standing workstation force you to improve your posture, it also keeps your body more active throughout the day. If a standing workstation isn’t possible in your office, then be sure to stand up and take a 5-10-minute walk once per hour.
6. Get A Splint Or A Brace
Pinched nerves require rest and isolation; continuing to use the affected nerves, muscles, and joints can only worsen your condition, possibly leading to more serious and long-term symptoms. Pinched nerves in the wrist (known as carpal tunnel syndrome) can be difficult to treat, as many of our movements involve wrist and hand movements.
A splint is a great way to protect and rest the affected area. Even if you can control your movements during the day, it is still difficult to prevent your body from moving while you are asleep. A splint prevents any unnecessary movement during day and night.
7. Chiropractic – With First Choice Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a great way to relieve pinched nerves – and it’s something we can do for you today. Professional Chiropractors have an intimate understanding of the body and the nerves, and know where to apply pressure to reduce pain, relieve tension, and hasten recovery.
Try Our New Patient Offer Today
By kneading the affected area, our professional team of Chiropractors at First Choice Chiropractic can loosen your muscles and increase blood flow to the pinched nerve.
We have worked on countless patients in pain and helped them with pinched nerve treatment. With our New Patient Offer, every new patient can experience the full extent of what we offer for a fraction of the price.
Contact us and schedule your appointment today!
