Pinched nerves can occur when nerves are compressed, stretched or constricted by surrounding tissues, resulting in symptoms like pain, weakness, tingling or numbness. The condition can be caused by something else that is wrong in the body, such as bulging disks in the spine or abnormal bone growths, but it may also be the result of something as simple as repetitive motions or poor posture. In some cases, pinched nerves can lead to other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. You may be able to help a pinched nerve through home treatments; in more severe cases, treatment may require assistance from your doctor.
Instructions
1. Rest the part of your body that's experiencing the pinched nerve. If possible, you should try to avoid any activities that seem to exacerbate your symptoms.
2. Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to cope with pain and inflammation. If over-the-counter drugs don't provide sufficient relief, talk to your doctor about prescription pain medication.
3. Ask your doctor whether wearing a splint or brace would help your pinched nerve. These devices can be helpful for pinched nerves in certain areas of the body, such as the wrists.
4. Visit a physical therapist. She can help your pinched nerve by showing you exercises you can do to reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
5. Talk to about corticosteroid injections, which may help pinched nerve symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation.
6. Consider surgery if your pinched nerve is still bothering you after a few months. Surgery can help pinched nerves by removing the source of pressure. The type of surgery attempted depends on the location of the pinched nerve.
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