A pinched nerve happens when pressure is placed on a nerve resulting from herniated discs, bone spurs or muscle imbalances. This pressure can cause pain in the affected area, as well as around the body, as signals to and from the brain are disrupted. Pinched nerves can result in tremendous pain and discomfort, and finding relief is often in the forefront of a pinched nerve sufferer’s mind.
Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body; however the back, neck and wrist (from carpel tunnel syndrome) are some of the more common places. When a herniated disc occurs in the low back, pain can easily radiate down through the legs. A pinched nerve in the wrist can cause tingling, pain and numbness in the fingers and hand.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve are wide ranging, depending on their severity and where they are located. Generally, most pinched nerve sufferers experience some kind of pain, tingling and numbness.
Treatments for a pinched nerve are wide ranging. There are a number of home remedies you can try before resorting to more extreme doctor recommended treatments.
• Hot and cold therapy can help relax the area and increase blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Alternating each type of temperature helps encourage blood flow and reduce swelling. 20 to 30 minutes of each type can prove very effective. The Healthy Back Institute offers infrared heating pads whose technologies penetrate the skin deeply to help soothe the affected area more efficiently than a typical heating pad.
• Rest is often recommended for a pinched nerve, however more and more professionals are recommending moderate movement to help loosen muscles in the affected area. Something as simple as head rolls for a pinched nerve in the neck can help relieve pain. All things in moderation though. Too much rest can cause stiffness and added pain. Too much exercise, or the wrong type of exercise, can aggravate and compound the injury.
• Over the counter pain relievers can also help reduce pain dramatically. Try an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen or Aleve to help with swelling and attack the issue at its source.
Sometimes, if pain can’t be relieved or reduced in a few days seeing a doctor is necessary. They have a number of additional options for pinched nerve sufferers.
• Prescription medications can help reduce or block pain to the affected area.
• Injections of various steroids or other medications can help target the area directly to reduce swelling at the source and help relieve pressure on the nerve.
• Physical therapy will teach pinched nerve sufferers exercises to help strengthen the area to help relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
• In extreme cases, surgery can be performed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Surgical procedures depend on where the nerve is located, and can include removing bone spurs or herniated discs. However, most cases of pinched nerves can be resolved without going under the knife.
The Healthy Back Institute strives to help pain sufferers get back to their lives. For more information on pinched nerve relief, visit their Web site today at losethebackpain.com.
going on 5 weeks now with picnhed nerve in neck and shoulder area. Entire arm and fingers, palm of hand feels like hundreds of needles pricking at the same time. Almost a strong sizzling feeling. Tried excercies, massage therapy and chiropractic without relief. Also a steroid shot. Nothing has helped.
Any ideas?
What about cervical spinal decompression or Trigger Point work or even combining many modalities…
You can learn more about the many different treatments that are available to you on our Treatments page, go to the top of this page and click on the tab called Treatments and read and study the different options that you have as there are many and dont forget you can also combine treatments for best results…
Steve
I’ve been multiple times for physical therapy, chiropractic care and trigger point injections. CBD cream does help somewhat but you have to reapply every 2-3 hours. It’s expensive to boot. I’m on oxycontin daily along with popping tylenol and ibuprofen. I’ve yet to experience even an hour of no pain. It’s my neck where the problem is. I’m tired of them saying it’s something in your shoulder and they want to give a cortisone shot where the pain is. Doctors do not listen to you after you turn 50. I’m 60 and I know what is happening with my body. Tired of the “what do you expect at your age” too!!! I just want to be able to function without being in pain! I know I’m rambling…sorry.
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for explaining your pain. We would like to help and you may also find it useful to get yourself a copy of our 7 Day Back Pain Cure Book. It covers back pain and related issues, various treatment options and other information that may be relevant to you.
Please see the link below for more information:-
https://losethebackpain.com/products/7-day-back-pain-cure-book
As you were talking about your neck pain you may also wish to consider our Lose The Neck Pain System. Please read more about it here :-
https://losethebackpain.com/products/lose-the-neck-pain-system
Thank you, Our Best Wishes
Admin(The Healthy Back Institute)
Hi Kathleen I can relate, been there, done that, tried it
As a 26 yr pain patient I can tell you the problems get worse as time goes by and I too haven’t experienced a moment without pain and knew I never would. After asking the next Dr. Plz do NOT throw yer hands up at me Cuz there’s gotta be answers and solutions B4 it’s too late. The only Helpful solution to my ever increasing pain due to untreated injuries was “Pain Psychologist!” Unfortunately when I’m asked “what’s my pain leve todayl” my reply is “Which One?” Due to the numerous problems I now contend with Causin ever increasing pain! Seeing a pain psychologist helps me to continue to deal with it every minute of every day wgj6 keeps me from doing the unthinkable. God Bless!