A pinched nerve doesn’t sound like a big deal—until it’s you that has one. Then you realize exactly how much pain comes from this invisible injury.
The condition comes from too much pressure placed on a specific nerve. Chances are, you don’t know it’s happening until the damage is already done.
Why We End Up With Pinched Nerves
Bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons are pushing on the nerve under the surface. Unless you pay attention to warning signs like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, the nerve ends up “pinched.”
Nerves operate on what’s known as a neural network. Because they’re interconnected in so many areas, a pinched nerve in your neck can spread pain all the way into your hands.
The good news is that, as long as you don’t ignore the problem, pinched nerves can heal quickly. These seven remedies will speed up the process and reduce your discomfort as your body recovers.
1. Rest
No matter what other treatments you choose, rest is the number one step. If you don’t give your body a chance to recuperate, any other remedies you use will be temporary. The problem will go away for a little while, but it’ll come right back and likely get worse.
You don’t have to stay in bed until you feel better. Just rest the area where the pain is coming from. For example, if the pinched nerve seems to be in your arm, try to avoid activities that use that side of your body.
2. Stretch
Stretching out a pinched nerve is crucial. When they’re done right, stretches can move the nerve out from under whatever is pressing on it.
However, stretching needs to be done cautiously. The tissues in that area are already sensitive. It won’t take much to make them worse. All you need to do is a small stretch to make a big difference.
Start out with gentle stretches. As soon as you feel any discomfort, let up slightly and hold the position for 10 – 15 seconds. Repeat five times slowly, three times per day.
3. Topical Pain Relievers
Pinched nerves impact your body’s ability to do its job. Depending on where your nerve is pinched, it could affect your breathing and hot/cold sensitivity.
If it’s not taken care of early, other parts of the body will try to compensate by taking on extra pressure. Ultimately, this ends up causing pain and discomfort in other places, too.
Topical pain relievers reduce inflammation in the pinched nerve. When it’s not so painful and inflamed, the rest of your body doesn’t feel the need to overcompensate.
Creams and lotions with CBD in them have increased benefits, as described here by Veriheal. They’re sold over the counter or online and have become the go-to relief for people with nerve pain.
4. Heat and Ice
For pain relief and inflammation reduction, hot and cold therapies work wonders.
Moist heat is used to relax the muscles impinging on a nerve. The muscles loosen up and let go of the nerve, quickly reducing pain. Increased warmth also speeds up the circulation of blood, spreading oxygenated cells to the injured area and speeding up recovery.
Sit with a hot pack on the pinched nerve area for about 15 minutes, three times per day.
In between rotations with the hot pack, use cold therapy to reduce the inflammation and swelling. Grab a bag with ice in it and wrap it in a thin towel. Hold it on the pinched nerve for 10-15 minutes. You’ll have pain relief from the numbed nerve, and the swelling around it will go down.
Never put an ice pack or heat pad directly on your skin. If you bought one OTC, follow the directions for that product. Keep a layer of cloth between your bare skin and any DIY hot or cold pack.
5. OTC Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are not all the same. For a pinched nerve, you need one that fights inflammation. These are called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
OTC anti-inflammatories have ibuprofen in them, like Advil or Motrin IB. You can also use aspirin-based products.
Adverse reactions to some health conditions, such as heart or liver issues, may stem from both of these ingredients. NSAIDs should only be used for short-term pain. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medication, even if it’s an OTC one.
Conclusion
These five remedies are intended to reduce your body’s discomfort as you heal from a pinched nerve. Yours may go away quickly, or it could continue to worsen.
Should you notice pain, numbness, and tingling after a few days of trying these at-home remedies, see your doctor as soon as you can. There could be something more serious going on under the surface.
Most pinched nerves will go away with rest and conservative care at home. Use some or all of these five remedies to speed up your recovery and get back on track with your normal activities.