The pinched nerve happens when pressure or force is put on an area of a nerve, which is causing it to send warning signals to the brain. The pinched nerve is usually caused by a damaged nerve and symptoms can include weakness, numbness, and pain. The warning signals which are sent by the pinched nerve can cause a few different symptoms in the body, especially in the area which is around the nerve. Symptoms of a pinched nerve can be worse while you are lying down or just after waking up.
Also, the pinched nerve puts a person more at risk for other problems. In people with pinched nerves, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and sciatica can happen. It can happen anywhere, but it is most common in the wrists, elbows, neck, and back. A pinched nerve can lead to feelings of pins and needles, burning, tingling, and numbness.
You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from a pinched nerve before you use some of the below-mentioned home remedies, so in this way, you will avoid the risk of having side effects caused by them. Here are some natural treatments for pinched nerve:
Elevate your legs
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If you have a pinched nerve in your lower back, then try elevating your legs with a 90 – degree bend in both your hips and knees.
Ice
It is a known fact that ice can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. You should wrap a towel around an ice pack and hold it directly onto the pinched nerve for 10 – 15 minutes.
Heat
Heat can be used to relax the muscles which might be tight around a pinched nerve. Also, it can help to increase the blood flow, which can help in the healing process. There are heating pads in different sizes at drugstores, so you can buy one of them and use it as your natural treatment for the pinched nerve. You should hold it directly onto the pinched nerve for 10 – 15 minutes at a time.
Stretch
It is known that the gentle stretch can help you to get relief from the pressure on your nerve and it can help to improve your symptoms. You should not go too deeply into a stretch. If you begin to feel pain or discomfort when you are exercising, then you should ease up on the stretch. You should remember that small movements can have a big impact.
Splint
For people who have carpal tunnel, which is a pinched nerve in the wrist, a splint can help them to rest and to protect their wrists. This can be very helpful overnight, so you do not curl your wrist in a bad position while you are sleeping.
Rest
One of the best things which you can do no matter where you have a pinched nerve is to rest as long as possible. You should avoid activities that are causing you pain, such as texting, golf, or tennis. You should rest until the symptoms have completely resolved. When you do start moving that part of your body again, then you should pay attention to how it feels. You should stop the activity if your pain returns.
Use a standing workstation
Standing workstations are gaining popularity in the treatment of pinched nerves. Standing and mobility throughout your day are crucial for preventing and treating a pinched nerve. If you have a pinched nerve or you want to avoid one, then you should talk with your human resources department about modifying your desk so you can stand while working.
Also, there is a range to choose from online. If you cannot get a standing workstation, then you should get up and take a walk each hour. Also, an hourly stretching program and roller balls for tight muscles are a good idea if you use your keyboard frequently. It is not recommended to use wrist braces or supports as an early treatment strategy.
Adjust your posture
You may need to change how you are sitting or standing to get relief from the pain caused by a pinched nerve. You should find the position that can help you to feel better and spend as much time in this position as you can.
Honey and cinnamon
This is another old home remedy which can help in the natural treatment of pinched nerve. You should mix a teaspoon of cinnamon in a tablespoon of honey and apply this home remedy to a compress.
Epsom salt
This home remedy can help you in the natural treatment of pinched nerves because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it helps to relax tightened muscles around the area of a pinched nerve. You should mix one cup of Epsom salt in a bathtub filled with warm water. Then, you should soak your body in it for about 15 – 20 minutes. You should do this natural treatment two times per week until your condition improves.
Yoga
There are many cases in which are shown that yoga can help you to get relief from the tension and pressure in the affected area. It is very important not to stretch too deeply because this can worsen your symptoms. If you have noticed any pain or discomfort while you are doing yoga, then you should stop doing it.
Garlic and mustard compress
This is a very old home remedy that appears to work well for minor pain. You should crush a few cloves of garlic in a tablespoon of mustard oil and apply this home remedy to the affected area, covering it with a warm cloth.
Make changes
You should apply various changes to your life which can be very helpful depending on the cause of the pinched nerve. If your pinched nerve is caused by incorrect posture, then you can improve the posture, so you will help yourself better in the treatment of the pinched nerve. When life changes are made in the long – term, then adding a low–impact exercise, such as bicycling, swimming, or walking, to your daily regimen can help to reduce the symptoms and it can help to keep your body in a shape.
Also, when you lose extra weight, then this can help to reduce the pressure on the nerves and the added mobility from a regular workout can reduce the inflammation. When you are stretching before or after low–impact exercises, then this can help to keep the body flexible and it can reduce the pressure and inflammation near the nerves.
Chamomile tea
This type of home remedy can help you to deal with the pinched nerve due to its calming and antispasmodic properties. You can drink a few cups of chamomile tea throughout the day, so you will get relief from the pain.
Exercises
You can make exercise at your home as part of your natural treatment for the pinched nerve. But, it is recommended to talk with a physical therapist, so you will learn more about what is right for your pain. Also, exercises can help to strengthen muscles and stretching them, which can help to alleviate the pain. Also, they can help with range of motion and functionality.
Sleep
If you want to heal a pinched nerve, then sleep is one of the best things which you should do. Your body will repair itself during sleep, so you should give it more time to do so may help reduce symptoms quicker. In many cases, resting the affected area and getting extra sleep is enough to allow the pinched nerve to heal on its own. While you are treating the pinched nerve, you should remember not to overuse the nerve.
When you overuse it, then nerve damage can be made worse. A person who has a pinched nerve should avoid movements that can irritate the nerve. Also, he or she should try to sleep in a position that gives relief from the pressure on the nerve.
Massage or physical therapy
When you have a massage, then this can help to reduce the physical pain and stress. You can apply gentle pressure around the affected area and this can help you to get relief from the tension. A full-body massage can help your muscles to relax. A deep tissue massage may not be a good idea because the extra pressure can make the symptoms worse. Physical therapy, using a combination of gentle stretches, massage and exercise can help you to get relief from the symptoms of pinched nerves.
Warm oil massage
You should massage the affected area with some warm oil because this can help you or combat the sharp pain that is caused by a pinched nerve. Massage activates the pressure points and this, in turn, increases the blood supply, relaxes stiff muscles, reduces pain, and improves mobility.
You should rub some warm mustard, olive, or coconut oil on the affected area. Also, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil. You should massage with gentle strokes for about 10 – 15 minutes. You should do this natural treatment 2 – 3 times per day until you notice improvements in your condition. If you cannot do this home remedy by on your own, then you should ask for help.
References:
1. Pinched nerve. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746 . Published September 26, 2019
2. Pinched Nerves. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves . Published April 7, 2020
3. Pinched Nerve. https://www.columbiaspine.org/condition/pinched-nerve/ .
4. Treating a pinched nerve. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/treating-a-pinched-nerve .
