If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from a pinched nerve, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve, often as a result of being compressed due to a herniated disc. This pressure can cause inflammation and pain in the area where the nerve is located. There are many ways to alleviate the pain caused by a pinched spinal nerve, depending on where the pinch is occurring. In this blog post, we will discuss the best methods for relieving pain from a cervical or lumbar pinched nerve.
What is a pinched nerve?
First, let’s define what a pinched nerve is. A pinched nerve is an irritation or compression of a nerve. In many cases, it is the result of a herniated disc putting excess pressure on a surrounding nerve.
There are two types of herniated discs that can lead to nerve pain- cervical and lumbar. Cervical pinched nerves occur in the neck area, while lumbar pinched nerves occur in the lower back. Each type of pinched nerve can cause different symptoms.
Cervical herniated discs often cause pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. The pain may radiate down the arm and into the hand. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.
Lumbar herniated discs often cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. The pain may radiate down the leg and into the foot. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.
Tips to Reduce Pain
There are many methods that can be used to alleviate the pain from a pinched nerve due to a herniated disc. Some of these methods include:
Rest:
This is the most important thing you can do to relieve the pain from a pinched nerve. When the nerve is inflamed, it needs time to heal. Try to avoid activities that aggravate the condition and give your body time to rest. Rest is especially beneficial for treating a pinched nerve in the neck.
Exercise:
After resting for a day or two, it is important to get some light activity to prevent the pain from getting worse. Gentle stretching and aerobic exercises can help to improve blood circulation and reduce pain. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Ice or Heat:
Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain. You can also apply heat packs or warm compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This will help to increase blood flow and relieve pain. However, be sure to wait 2 hours between applications for both ice and heat.
Medication:
Over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In the case of a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine, muscle relaxants may also help decrease painful muscle spasms. Consult with your doctor before taking any medications.
Injections:
If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend an injection of cortisone or numbing medication to help relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Surgery:
In cases where the pinched nerve is causing permanent damage, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
If you are suffering from a pinched nerve, there are many treatment options available to you. Talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for your specific condition. With proper treatment, the pain from a pinched nerve can be alleviated and you can get back to living your life.
