{"id":7174,"date":"2019-06-12T08:21:07","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T08:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7174"},"modified":"2021-04-12T19:31:13","modified_gmt":"2021-04-12T19:31:13","slug":"15-home-remedies-to-ease-the-pain-from-pinched-nerve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-home-remedies-to-ease-the-pain-from-pinched-nerve\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Home Remedies to Ease the Pain From Pinched Nerve"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve has too much pressure applied to it. When this happens the tissues surrounding it, such as the tendons, cartilage, muscles, and bones are affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pressure affects the nerves, which will cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. When a pinched nerve occurs, it can happen anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, and back. A pinched nerve can lead to other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it is because of repeated use of the hands and wrists without taking a break. When it comes to a pinched nerve it can be treated with home remedies. There are eight home remedies that will ease the pain from a pinched nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the pain has eased, you may want to seek advice from your primary care doctor. The primary care doctor may suggest other treatments if none of the home remedies have worked for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Get extra sleep and rest is a home remedy that will ease the pain from a pinched nerve. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since you have a pinched nerve, you may want to go to bed early. When your body is at rest, it is able to heal itself quicker. It also eases the symptoms that you\u2019re experiencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same thing applies to a pinched nerve. When you rest the affected area, it gives it time to heal. By allowing the pinched nerve to rest, it may go away on its own. There may be no need for further treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re in the bed and rest, try not to move so much that it irritates the nerve. For instance, if the pinched nerve is on your lower back, try sleeping <\/a>on your side and don\u2019t move so much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have to get up, take your time and when you lie back down do the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Adjust your posture will ease the pain from a pinched nerve. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A pinched nerve <\/a>will become worse by having bad posture. When you stand or sit for long periods of time with bad posture, you put stress on the body. It will damage the muscles and spine, which can lead to a pinched nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to adjust your posture, you should always stand straight up with your shoulders back. When you have to stand for a long time, try moving side to side. That will keep you from wanting to slouch over. On the other hand, when sitting, sit forward with your shoulders back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proper chair can make a lot of difference when it comes to your posture. A good chair has nice cushioning that protects your entire body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An adjustable chair has everything that you need to have proper posture. You can adjust it according to your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Ergonomic workstations are a home remedy that will ease pinched nerve pain. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With an ergonomic workstation, you\u2019re able to make adjustments according to how you feel. For instance, use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to reduce pressure on your hands and wrists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re sitting at the desk, raise your computer monitor to eye level, so you don\u2019t strain your neck. You shouldn\u2019t be looking down when you\u2019re at the computer. Consider a standing workstation. There are desks that are able to be raised up according to your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is good to stand often while at work because you won\u2019t get sore sitting down all of the time. By being in one position for too long can cause a pinched nerve. Just make sure you are standing up straight with your shoulders back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will help keep your spine flexible and prevent back pain<\/a>, which is good for someone with a pinched nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Over-the-counter pain medications will ease the pain from a pinched nerve. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol will help reduce pain and swelling. When you take these medications it\u2019s important to take just what is prescribed on the bottle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking more than what is recommended is not going to make the symptoms from the pinched nerve go away any quicker. In fact, it may make the pain worse. When taking over-the-counter pain medications, you should always speak with your primary care physician first, especially if you are taking other medication. Your body may not interact well with other medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to take these medications <\/a>with food and a full glass of water. Over-the-counter medications are short-term solutions and should only be taken as needed. On the bottle, it usually states to take up to seven days. They also mainly work for minor pinched nerve symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Stretching or yoga is a home remedy that will help ease the pain from a pinched nerve.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By stretching the affected area, it will ease the pain and pressure. You don\u2019t want to stretch too deeply because it can make the symptoms worse. When doing stretches, you want to take your time and ease your way into each position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay in the position for a few seconds before going into the next position. You shouldn\u2019t experience any pain when stretching or doing yoga<\/a>. If you do, you\u2019ll need to stop right away and contact your primary care physician. As a beginner, you will more than likely use DVD or YouTube videos for all your exercise needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no need to go at the same pace as the people in the video. They will be going much faster than you. You don\u2019t want to be in any pain after stretching or doing yoga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Wear a wrist splint that will help ease the pain from a pinched nerve. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you have a pinched nerve in the hands or wrists can prevent further nerve damage. The splint can be worn at night while you sleep to help prevent any irritation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will be able to sleep better because you won\u2019t be in any pain. There won\u2019t be any pressure on the nerves. You can still do your work at your job, but just to be careful. Even though the splint will take the pressure off of the nerve, you don\u2019t want to aggravate it by being rough at the keyboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The splint will allow your wrists and hands to have proper alignment. Without proper alignment in these areas, you will get carpal tunnel syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the symptoms to look out for when you have a pinched nerve because you\u2019re repeatedly putting stress on the wrists and hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Ice and heat packs will reduce pain when you have a pinched nerve. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The combination of cold and heat will increase the blood flow to the area that is affected. When using an ice pack, place it onto the affected area no more than three times a day for 15 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for heat, place onto the area for an hour for no more than three times a day. Whenever you use ice or heat, you may want to place the ice or heat pack between a towel, so that you don\u2019t burn your skin<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ice pack can be doubled as a heating pack. It should be placed into the microwave for a few seconds.  When you ice or use heat, it is a good idea to be in a relaxed position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, you don\u2019t want to go back to using the affected area immediately after using ice or heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Elevating your legs will reduce pain when you have a pinched nerve in your back. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you elevate your legs, it gets rid of any pressure in your spine<\/a>. Your spine needs to have movement and flexibility to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To elevate your legs, place a few pillows under your needs. Your legs should be at a 45 -degree angle. This can be done anytime, whether you\u2019re in bed or watching television. When you have to get up, don\u2019t rush, take your time, and get up slowly. Even though the pain may have eased off, you don\u2019t want to put too much pressure on the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if the pinched nerve is in the back, you don\u2019t want to jump up. The pain will get worse and the time you spent elevating your legs would have been for nothing. While your legs are elevated, put a pillow behind your back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Cervical Collar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those patients that experience a pinched nerve in their neck notice symptoms of pain during rotation that result in a limiting range of motion. These patients may gain some relief from pain symptoms by wearing a cervical collar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cervical collars are plastic supports lined with padding. The patient attaches the collar around their neck, and it supports the neck in the correct posture to limit pressure on the cervical vertebrae<\/a>. The ergonomic design of the collar fits comfortably around the neck, and doctors will recommend that patients remove it when sleeping.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, while a cervical collar may protect your neck from the effects of a pinched nerve, doctors do not recommend that patients wear it for periods longer than two or three weeks. If the patient does continue to wear the collar, they may experience atrophy of the neck muscles that results in a weakening of the support structures in the neck, exacerbating the symptoms of a pinched nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10.    Acupuncture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In many cases of pinched nerves, the patient incurs the condition due to a buildup of stress in the muscles around the affected area. People who are suffering from sciatica, a situation where the piriformis muscle traps the nerve that runs through the hip joint, find that they experience shooting pain down the back of their leg when walking or sitting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Releasing the tension in ligaments and muscles around the affected area may help to relieve pain symptoms associated with the condition. Acupuncture therapy is an excellent way to reduce this intra-muscular pressure, releasing the trapped nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acupuncture <\/a>therapists insert long, thin needles into pressure points in muscles surrounding the affected area. The needles penetrate the tissue, causing it to relax. Acupuncture therapy is so effective that a single session may relieve the patient of their condition, returning them to health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always choose a licensed and experienced acupuncture therapist to administer your treatment. Using inexperienced practitioners may result in further damage to the nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11.    Physical Therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from the effects of a pinched nerve may gain some relief from their condition with the use of physical therapy. A sports massage is a useful therapy for releasing tension from ligaments and muscles, and stretching is also helpful in improving mobility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar to acupuncture, the efficacy of the treatment relies on the experience of the therapist. Ensure that you choose to work with a licensed professional that has plenty of experience in treating patients with trapped nerves. An inexperienced therapist may accidentally twist or rotate the affected joint or limb, increasing pain symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massage <\/a>therapy with essential oils also helps to reduce the tension in the muscular and nervous system, releasing the trapped nerve. Getting a massage from a qualified sports massage therapist, who includes the use of essential oils in the therapy may enhance the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential oils recommended for your treatment include lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. These oils have anti-inflammatory and nervine properties that relax the nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12.    Increase Your Calcium and Potassium Intake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Calcium <\/a>and potassium are vital minerals for healthy cell communication and new cell production. If you are deficient in either of these minerals, then you will experience an increase in pain symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calcium is the building block of bones, and when we have low levels of calcium in our bloodstream, the bones start to leach the mineral to compensate for the lower levels found in your blood. A breakdown in the bones due to calcium deficiency, weakens the skeletal system, making it more likely that you will experience a trapped nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potassium is another critical nutrient involved in cell metabolism. When we have low levels of potassium in our blood, we experience the onset of a weakening in nerve connections. Potassium also helps to regulate the nervous system, and if you are deficient in this mineral, then you may experience a worsening in pain symptoms associated with a trapped nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both calcium and potassium supplements are readily available online. Increase your daily intake with supplements, or eat mor3e foods containing these vital minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Try an Anti-Inflammatory Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, making changes to your diet <\/a>may help to provide relief from the symptoms of pain and discomfort associated with a pinched nerve. Eating refined carbohydrates and consuming stimulants like caffeine, can worsen symptoms of a pinched ner4ve. When we consume foods that are high in sugar and caffeine, such as energy drinks, coffee, and fast food, it creates an inflammatory response in the digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the intestinal walls expand, increasing the permeability of this natural barrier, allowing pathogens and inflammatory particles to escape into the bloodstream. This systemic inflammation spreads throughout the body, enhancing the symptoms of pain associated with a pinched nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go through your fridge and pantry, and throw out all foods high in sugar and white flour. Replace them with whole grains and healthy fats, like omega-3 essential fatty acids. These changes in diet should cause a rapid improvement in your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Check Your Footwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re suffering from the effects of a pinched nerve in your foot, calve, knee, or hips, then your footwear may be to blame. People who wear flat-soled shoes or high heels may find that they develop an issue with their peroneal tendon or plantar fascia<\/a>, which may result in a trapped nerve.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High heels with pointed toe boxes may force the toes to overlap and scrunch together. As a result of this confined space and pressure from the toe box of the shoe, the affected individual may start to experience symptoms of numbness or pain in their toes. If you wear high heels to work or walk around in sandals all day, try swapping your footwear for comfortable shoes with extra padding in the soles and mid-foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making these changes may help to reduce the pressure on the nerves in the foot, ankle, knees, and hips, reducing your symptoms of nerve pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Lifestyle Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who drink alcohol <\/a>and smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk of developing nerve pain. The thousands of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes have a poisonous effect on the nervous system, eating away at the telomere sheath found at nerve endings. As a result, smokers are three times more likely to develop neurological disorders and issues with the nervous system.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking also reduces the strength of your skeletal system, compromising the structural integrity of your joints, providing the ideal situation for the development of a trapped nerve. The over-consumption of alcohol also contributes to nerve pain, increasing the nervous system’s sensitivity to pain symptoms. Alcohol also induces massive amounts of systemic inflammation throughout the body, worsening the effects of a trapped nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stopping these self-destructive behaviors may dramatically improve your situation. However, even though people may realize drinking and smoking are harmful to their health, they may struggle to quit. Speak to your doctor for help with quitting alcohol or tobacco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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