7 Effective Pinched Nerve Remedies
A pinched nerve in your lower back or neck can be debilitating. Treatment can vary but in this article we’ll discuss some common pinched nerve remedies.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when something (bone, ligament, muscle, etc) puts pressure on a nerve. This can limit the nerve’s ability to function and will often send signals that the brain interprets as pain.
The spinal column protects the what is typically known as the “spinal cord”. The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that run from our brain, through the neck and down the spinal column in our back. From the spine these nerves branch off and connect to the rest of our body. Because of the large number of nerves in and around the spine, a pinched nerve in this area is common.
See Also: Spinal Anatomy
Pinched Nerve Remedies
1. Rest
Rest is a typical treatment for a pinched nerve in the back or neck. In some cases, a splint or brace may help to keep the area from moving, further aggravating the nerve.1
2. Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Another common pinched nerve remedy is treatment with an anti-inflammatory medication. Anti-inflammatory medications may be effective in reducing swelling in soft tissues, thereby reducing pressure on the nerves.
See Also: Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Back Pain
3. Exercise
Depending on your condition, exercise may be an appropriate pinched nerve remedy. Exercise can help strengthen your core muscles and reduce the strain on your back. This, in turn, can result in reduced pressure on the nerve(s) and less pain.
See Also: Back Exercises
4. Physical Therapy
Similar to exercise, physical therapy can help by reducing the load on your spine and distributing it to other muscles. In addition, physical therapy can help you maintain better posture, which can reduce pressure on nerves.
5. Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy is a form of therapy in which you apply ice and heat in an alternating fashion to treat the affected area. According to this article in Human Kinetics, the reason this therapy is effective is not fully understood, but it has been shown to be effective in reducing swelling. This makes hot and cold therapy another viable treatment option for a pinched nerve in your back or neck.
6. Steroid Injections
When the pinched nerve remedies mentioned above haven’t worked, your doctor may consider trying a corticosteroid injection. During this treatment, your doctor injects a steroid into your neck or back. The treatment can help your body reduce inflammation and has been shown to reduce pain for weeks or even months. However, the use of this treatment is limited due to its potential side effects3.
7. Surgery
In most cases, a nonsurgical treatment is effective in reducing pain associated with a pinched nerve. However, if appropriate, Dr. Herzog and Dr. Keshmiri could discuss with you the benefits and risks of surgery for your condition. They perform several different surgical procedures at Saratoga Hospital.
Are you Suffering from a Pinched Nerve?
If you have a pinched nerve in your neck or back and haven’t found a remedy, give us a call or request an appointment. Dr. Herzog and Dr. Keshmiri can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
