Pain Management: 5 Ways to Relieve a Pinched Nerve

What's a Pinched Nerve?
As the word “pinched” suggests, a pinched nerve refers to surrounding tissue applying too much pressure to a nerve, causing pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or “pins and needles” sensations like tingling.

Your nerves are made up of a complex network of long, thin fibers that form a circuit. This circuit instantly sends signals from one cell to another or from one part of your body to another. For example, if one of the soft discs between the bones of your lower spine slips out of place, the bone or cartilage around the nerves will pinch or squeeze them. This “squeeze” sends a message that may feel like a sharp pain going down your leg. The central nervous system is where this happens.

Other tissues in your peripheral nervous system, such as swollen tendons or ligaments, can pinch nerves in your hands or feet, causing painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or bone spurs.
How long does nerve pain last?

That depends. Nerves typically radiate painlessly from your brain and spinal cord in special pathways. Sometimes a nerve is only pinched for a short time. Once it's relieved, the nerve returns to normal.
Am I at risk for pinched nerves?
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It depends. For example, if you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation, your nerves can be compressed, especially in joints like your knees or hips. Osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs which stiffen your spine and narrow the space where your nerves travel, pinching them and causing pain. Injuries, stress, diabetes, and obesity are other factors.

5 Ways to Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain:

1.     Rest, Adjust and Sit Up Straight!
Pinched nerve pain, like other muscle pain, can go away after your body has enough time to rest. If a nerve is pinched because a bone misaligns, you may need to adjust your body position to relieve pressure on that nerve. Poor posture is a major cause of pinched nerves. Straighten your back when sitting or switching to a standing workstation.

2.     See a Chiropractor.
Professional chiropractors, in general, have a thorough understanding of your nerves and joints, allowing them to relieve pain from tension and pressure points in your body without the use of invasive procedures.

3.     Consider a Holistic Pain Management specialist.
Holistic providers can employ non-steroidal, plant-based treatments for immediate pain relief from acute and chronic pain conditions.

4.     Visit an Orthopedic Specialist.
Consult a doctor if severe ongoing nerve pain persists.

5.     Get Regular Physical Exams.
Make it a habit to get an annual physical every year. As your life and body circumstances change, your family doctor can monitor, diagnose, and treat them or refer you to specialists who can. Don't just put up with nerve pain.

What if I have Chronic Nerve Pain?
Chronic nerve pain can be a debilitating condition that disrupts your life. It can make working, going out, and even sleeping difficult.

Dr. Justin at Pure Health and Wellness offers comprehensive treatment for chronic nerve pain with the best in natural medicine. He’s been able to help their patients get back on their feet with a range of exercises to fit each patient's need and help with recovery from injuries or health ailments.
You can find more information about Pure Health and Wellness here.