Our nerves transmit important messages throughout our bodies using tiny electrical signals. Nerves can become pinched or compressed if surrounding tissues, ligaments, or bones apply too much pressure. A pinched nerve can develop in any part of the body and cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. The neck, shoulders, wrists, and lower back are the most common parts to be affected. The damage caused by a pinched nerve can be minor or severe. Depending on the severity, it can cause short-term or long-term effects. Luckily, there are several ways to manage pinched nerve pain, including using a high-quality back brace that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Pinched Nerve Symptoms Include:
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve
- A burning, sharp, or aching pain that may radiate outward
- Pins and needles, tingling sensations
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- A feeling that a hand or foot has fallen asleep frequently
What Causes a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve may develop as a result of certain medical conditions. These include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Thyroid disease
- Pregnancy
Injury or repetitive motion can also cause a pinched nerve. Alternatively, inactivity or lying down for an extended period of time can also be a contributing factor.
Natural Ways to Treat Pinched Nerves
Several natural methods can help you cope with this issue. Here are a few home remedies that can relieve pinched nerve pain.
1. Ice or heat packs
Pinched nerve discomfort, such as swelling and inflammation, can be treated with both heat and ice packs. Alternating hot and cold compression can reduce pain by increasing blood circulation to the affected area. Make sure to apply the ice pack at least twice daily to the affected area for about 15 minutes each time. Applying heat pads three times per day for about an hour each time is also recommended.
2. Rest
Rest is one of the best home remedies for pinched nerves in most cases. When you rest, you give the affected area a chance to recuparate. Fixing a pinched nerve also means not putting additional strain on it. Overusing or overworking nerves can worsen nerve damage. If you have a pinched nerve, you should try to avoid any movements that can put pressure on it.
3. Sleep
Getting enough sleep is also an effective natural way to treat pinched nerves. The nerve needs extra rest while it heals. By getting enough sleep, your body gets the chance to repair itself, so giving it more time to do so can help it manage symptoms more effectively and quickly. In some cases, getting extra sleep can be enough to treat pinched nerves without any other treatment.
4. Back Brace
Using a back brace on the pinched nerve area can help prevent damage and pressure, allowing the nerve to heal. A back brace also helps minimize pain and pressure that may be placed on the spinal structures by taking the weight directly off. A back brace may be particularly beneficial after an injury, as a brace can minimize your range of motion, ensuring you don’t accidentally aggravate the healing of the nerve. Many people even sleep while wearing a brace to prevent any symptoms at night and have quality sleep.
5. Massage
An effective way to deal with pain and extra pressure is to get a massage. An effective way to ease tension is to use gentle pressure and massage the affected area, and a full-body massage can also help relax your muscles. It is best to avoid deep tissue massages because they can have the opposite effect and worsen your symptoms. Symptoms can be alleviated by physical therapy as well as massages and stretches.
6. Elevate Legs
Elevating your legs is another effective home remedy for pinched nerves. People with pinched nerves in their back may benefit from elevating their legs and removing pressure from their spine. To achieve this, place a few pillows under your knees so that your legs are at a degree angle.
7. Check Posture
One of the leading causes of pinched nerves is poor posture. Therefore, checking your posture is helpful in fixing a pinched nerve. It is important to keep your spine upright, your shoulders back, your chest up, and your core tucked in. We often slouch over, curving our spines. Sitting or standing in the incorrect position for prolonged periods can worsen the symptoms. Not only does this result in bad posture, but it also causes severe back pain. Bad posture also causes spinal weakness and can result in a pinched nerve. A high-quality back brace will force your spine into a straightened position. Wear your back brace when you notice your posture is deteriorating.
8. Lifestyle Changes
Walking, cycling, and swimming every day can help relieve symptoms of pinched nerves and keep the body fit and healthy in the long run. Additionally, losing extra weight can reduce pressure on the nerves, and increased mobility can decrease inflammation and pinched nerve risks. Stopping or limiting activities that aggravate pinched nerve pain (uncomfortable positions, heavy lifting, twisting) and performing activities that help the pain and improve spine flexibility and core strength will speed up the healing process.
How to Prevent a Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves aren’t always preventable, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Maintain good posture and avoid staying in one position for a long time. In addition, engage in a regular exercise program that emphasizes strength, flexibility, and weight maintenance while adhering to a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Supportive aids like a durable back brace can also provide pain relief and speed up recovery.
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