When excessive force or pressure is placed on a specific nerve area, it may become damaged, resulting in a numbing or tingling sensation in the affected region. You may suffer from pinched nerves if you feel a recurring “pins-and-needles” sensation on certain parts of your body.
Pinched nerves can happen in almost any part of our body, but some of the most commonly affected areas include our neck, shoulders, wrists, elbows, and lower back.
While pinched nerves may seem like a minor nuisance, they may lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage if left untreated. Thankfully, you can resolve the condition pretty quickly. With the right remedies, you can treat your pinched nerve in no time.
11 Easy Remedies For Pinched Nerves
Here are eleven ways you can easily treat cervical radiculopathy.
Get Plenty of Rest And Sleep
One of the best things to do to relieve pressure on the affected area is to get plenty of rest and sleep. Sleeping allows your body to heal and ensures that your inflamed nerves calm down.
You should also avoid certain activities that compress the area, such as repetitive, strenuous motions like lifting, running, texting, and playing sports. It would be best to take a break from these activities until the inflammatory episode subsides.
Once you recover, we recommend slowly regaining your normal activities to acclimate the affected muscles and tissues. Pay attention to how your body feels when moving, and stop if the area still feels painful.
Regulate Your Posture
Poor posture can damage the nerves in your neck and lower back since it places constant strain and stress on your muscles. We recommend fixing your posture so that your body rests in a natural position, and is strong enough to endure the physical stresses of daily life.
You can use cushions, lumbar support, adjustable chairs, and neck rests to relieve pressure on the affected area. Additionally, you may consider visiting a chiropractor to help you fix poor posture and maintain proper form.
Invest in An Ergonomic Workstation
A variety of factors can cause pinched nerves. Thankfully, chiropractic care can help you find the root cause of the problem.
For instance, patients who have lower back pain can have their spines realigned. This treatment can help reduce inflammation and free up trapped nerves around the area. Additionally, chiropractic care can help reduce stress around your muscles and help you get back to optimal health.
We recommend seeking the help of your local chiropractor to adjust your body and allow it to heal naturally on its own.
Find Time to Stretch Your Body
Gentle stretches are another great way to treat pinched nerves, but it’s worth noting that overstretching can worsen the condition, so you’ll need to exercise caution. It would be best to start with low-impact movements to help relieve pressure on the affected area.
The best stretches for your pinched nerves depend on the target area. If you feel a tingling sensation on the back of your neck or your shoulders, we recommend exercises like neck extensions and shoulder retractions.
These small movements can greatly improve your pinched nerve, so long as you don’t overdo it. Should you feel any pain or discomfort while stretching, remember to ease up so that you don’t overstretch the affected area.
We recommend taking gentle yoga classes and seeking the advice of your chiropractor for the proper ways to stretch your body regularly.
Apply Hot or Cold Compression
Hot and cold compression works well to ease the discomfort from a pinched nerve. An ice pack relieves the inflamed nerve, and we recommend gently massaging the affected area for a few minutes.
Once the initial pain subsides, you can use a hot compress to help your tight muscles relax and relieve the pressure around the nerve. The heat increases blood flow, which helps speed up the healing process. Hold the heat pack on the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes.
Apply Splints
If the affected nerve area is around your wrist, we recommend using a splint. The splint encourages you to rest your hands and wrist, protecting them from further nerve damage.
We also recommend using them when you sleep to prevent you from curling your wrist in improper positions.
Use Foam Rollers
Another great remedy for a pinched nerve is using a foam roller on the area. These accessories loosen tight arms and lower back muscles and release tension.
Make sure to start slowly, and avoid rolling too hard on the area. Doing it harshly may result in more discomfort and pain. Gently rolling over the area or holding it to the spot where you feel pain can provide instant relief.
Change Your Sleeping Position
If you’re suffering from a pinched nerve in your shoulders, it’s best to shift your sleeping position into a pose that relieves tension in the affected area.
Sleeping on your back is recommended as it properly braces and positions your neck and head. But if you enjoy sleeping on your side, we advise using a tall pillow to ensure that your neck lines up with your head.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it typically causes you to twist your neck in an uncomfortable position.
Elevate Your Legs
If you have pinched nerves in your lower back, you would greatly benefit from elevating your legs. Doing so relieves the spine of pressure. To do this, put a few pillows under your knees and ensure that your legs are at a 45-degree angle.
Change Your Diet
Another excellent easy remedy for pinched nerves is changing your diet. A plant-based diet will help your body receive antioxidants like Alpha-lipoic acid, which has a positive impact on nerve conduction.
Food like meat, fish, poultry, and certain dairy products can also help you get Acetyl-L-carnitine, an amino acid that creates healthy nerve cells. We recommend taking multivitamin supplements with B vitamins that support healthy nervous system function.
Visit a Chiropractor
One of the best ways to relieve pain from pinched nerves is to visit a chiropractor who can make the proper adjustments to improve your condition.
They can also suggest lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy meal plan and tips on how to maintain proper posture, which may restore your health and help you avoid getting pinched nerves again in the future.
Treat Your Pinched Nerves with Ease
Pinched nerves are relatively easy to treat. You can follow these helpful remedies we’ve mentioned for mild symptoms, but constant pain in the affected area may warrant a visit to your chiropractor.
They can help you determine what your body is trying to tell you and will help you figure out the best treatment plan for your pinched nerves. Consult LifeClinic today for more information.
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