how to fix a pinched nerve in neck

Your bed and pillow are super comfy and apt still why is there a tingling pain down your neck? Is this relatable to you? If yes, then you are at the right place to resolve the pain whose origin you aren't sure of as it can be a pinched nerve that's bothering you. But what to do for a pinched nerve? Well, read on to find out more about this common problem and remedies for how to treat a pinched nerve.

What is a pinched nerve?

A "pinched nerve" is a term given to an uncomfortable pain; numbness caused when increased compression leads to an irritating sensation or harm to a peripheral nerve.

The nerve which is outside the brain and spinal cord are called Peripheral Nerve.

What are the signs of a pinched nerve?

It is tough to describe what does a pinched nerve feel like, but we've made it easy for you. The most common sign of a compressed nerve is a tingling, restlessness sensation which is often followed by some numbness or inactivity. It does not last very long and come and frequently go in multiple intervals. It is even possible to see symptoms at a particular time of the days mostly at night. But if in case it lasts longer, it may also turn into being sharp or electric sensations traveling from the neck, or shoulder or wrist or both limbs.

What are pinched nerve symptoms?

Numbness or Reduced sensation
Sharp aching
Tingling sensation as if someone is poking some pins/needles
Muscle weakness in that particular area
Frequent feeling that a foot or hand has "fallen asleep" leading to a pinched nerve in the foot

What causes a pinched nerve?

Rheumatoid
Stress from overwork
Sports injuries
Overweight

How long does a pinched nerve last?

In initial days, the pain does not last for a long time,and it comes and goes accordingly. But if in case it is severe, it may persist for long hours at a stretch and can cause other health issues too.

What are the risk factors associated with a pinched nerve?

Rheumatoid arthritis
Thyroid disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Pregnancy
Long bed rest

7 Incredible Home Remedies on How to Treat a Pinched Nerve

Elucidated below are some of the natural ways for a pinched nerve in neck treatment at home. These are also very beneficial for pinched nerve at other places as well.

1. How to get rid of the pinched nerve pain with foods?

Make an anti-inflammatory salad

Dandelion Salad for hypoglycemia — Image: Shutter stock

Numerous healthier options can fight inflammation rather than cause it. Having a healthy diet helps a great deal to treat a pinched nerve.

How to use?

Take 2-3 leaves of lettuce and add few pieces of pineapple
Add some strawberries, nuts,and berries
Toss it with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt and pepper on it
Serve it in a plate

Benefits

Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet helps to reduce the inflammation caused due to blockage in the nerve. These foods are replete with dietary fibers that enhance the blood circulation and helps to clear the blockage.

Foods to eat

These foods are rich in essential fibers and anti-inflammatory properties.

Berries
Leafy greens
Salmon
Walnuts
Ginger
Green tea
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Olive oil
Sardines

Foods to avoid

These foods have trans fats and inflammation causing properties.

Eggs
beef
dairy products
Sugary foods.
Refined carbohydrates
Fried foods

2. How to treat a pinched nerve Using Herbal Treatment?

How to treat a pinched nerve using mint leaves?

Mint leaves are an excellent source of menthol. Menthol is anesthetic and anti-inflammatory in nature.

How to use?

Fill a pan with about half a liter of water
Put a bunch of fresh mint leaves in the water
Boil the leaves in the water for a few minutes
Cover the saucepan and let it cool down for some time
Strain out the greenish liquid using a filter
Your mint infusion is ready
Dip a cotton swab in the mint infusion and dab the compressed like the pinched nerve in the arm, pinched nerve in the leg, pinched nerve in the lower back with slight pressure
Do this twice a day

Benefits of mint leaves

Application of mint leaves to the can help with the getting rid of the burning sensation and cure the inflammation of the skin in a few hours.

Precautions

While using mint leaves, make sure they are fresh. And, use the infusion in a temperature that you can bear, warm infusion results in being highly beneficial.

3. How to treat a pinched nerve using essential oils?

Treat it with lavender essential oil

lavender essential oil for hair loss — Image: Shutter stock

Are you wondering how to treat a pinched nerve in the lower back with essential oils? Well, they are incredibly beneficial due to its in-depth absorption. It is also very useful fora pinched nerve in the hip as well.

How to use?

Take 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil
Add one teaspoon of olive oil and mix it properly
Apply it over the affected area and massage it gently till your skin absorbs it
Repeat it twice or thrice daily

Benefits

The lavender essential oil has ample anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to provide the right amount of rest while reducing the pain and inflammation at the same time.

Precautions

It is always advisable to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil and take a patch test before applying it thoroughly. If after application the area feels uncomfortable then wipe it off with a cloth dipped in warm water.

4. How to heal a pinched nerve with home remedies?

Apply warm oil over the affected area

How to treat a pinched nerve with warm oil massages is an often searched question by people. Read and learn how.

How to use?

Take one tablespoon of coconut oil or mustard oil
Warm it a little and apply it to the affected area and massage gently
Continue for 10-15 minutes

Benefits

Using warm oil for massaging help in activating pressure points to relax the nerves and muscles associated with it. It helps to enhance blood circulation to the neck and also to the brain.

Precautions

Make sure that the oil is bearably hot and not with an excess temperature that burns your skin.

5. How to fix pinched nerve through natural remedies?

Soak in an Epsom salt bath

It is one of the best remedies for how to treat a pinched nerve in knee and others.

How to use?

Fill your bathtub with warm water
Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt into it
Soak in yourself for 20-25 minutes

Benefits

Epsom salt is rich in magnesium that is very beneficial for relieving pain and inflammation owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Soak for prolonged duration in an Epsom salt bath aids in the better absorption of the salt into your body for better results.

6. How to relieve pinched nerve pain through other conventional methods?

Take extra Rest and Sleep

Sleeping in a comfortable position that takes the pressure off the nerve, is vital for the healing process as the body repairs and rejuvenates itself while you sleep. The pinched nerve in upper back gets thoroughly relaxed while sleeping.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Applying ice to the particular area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, for the first 72 hours after your symptoms appear, can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with a pinched nerve in spine and others.

Use a Splint

Wearing a splint, especially at night, can help to protect your wrists by keeping them in proper alignment. It helps to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and decrease your symptoms. It can be instrumental in a pinched nerve in the wrist,pinched nerve in the elbow and pinched nerve in hands.

Use a cervical collar

A soft cervical collar is meant to provide stiffness to the neck and to avoid excess movement. But limit its use as it tends to debilitate the neck muscles. It is best to take the doctor's guidance regarding the usage.

Physical Exercises

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Here is some pinched nerve in neck exercises that can quickly get done at home which is also useful in a pinched nerve in the right shoulder bladeand pinched nerve in left shoulder blade:

Take back cervical spine and take your chin upwards so that your head falls back naturally.Then rotate your head from right to left 2-3 times. Bring your head back to the center and return to its natural position.
Move your shoulder blades outwards together. Ensure there is no shrugging. These exercises are going to be very fruitful in fixing a pinched nerve in shoulder blade when practiced diligently and regularly.

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture target is to clear hurdles or blocks by inserting tiny needles or pricks at body points to activate them. It can be useful in a pinched nerve in shoulder, pinched nerve in back, pinched nerve in legs, pinched nerve in the arm,etc.

7. Supplements for Pinched Nerve:

Multiple supplements act as very beneficial ways for how to treat a pinched nerve effectively.

Consume fish oil capsules
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Taking oral corticosteroids to relieve inflammation

Conclusion:

The natural remedies on how to treat a pinched nerve are incredibly beneficial and leave no side effects on the skin. Most pinched nerves are not severe and can get managed at home. However, in some cases, your discomfort may persist, which may be a signal that there is an underlying problem that needs to get addressed.

To conclude, apinched nerve is not a Very risky or dangerous symptom. It can be safely treated and fixed by following a proper diet and following exercises regularly. Ice packs and acupuncture are safe to get applied in case of slight pain. Avoid overuse of the particular affected area, and most importantly, avoid stress!