A pinched nerve is a painful condition that occurs when nerves experience pressure from surrounding muscles, tendons, cartilage or bones. The condition can cause sharp, burning pain, numbness, tingling, weakness or a “pins and needles” sensation. Some cases can resolve on their own with a change of position or activity. However, sometimes, it can cause chronic discomfort. Here are a 5 ways that can help relieve symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Pain from a pinched nerve can be so excruciating, but there are several ways you can handle your pain. 

1. Yoga

Yoga is an ancient Indian exercise method that improves physical and mental health. The exercise uses formal positions, along with breathing exercises that increase strength, enhance balance, and provide better flexibility. It can help to relieve pressure on nerves that lead to pain, numbness, and weakness.

2. Chiropractic Techniques

Chiropractic treatments use the hands and small instruments to re-align spinal structures to produce more efficient movement. Frequently, when the structures of the body misalign nerves will compress. Chiropractors can manually adjust the spine to provide a better overall function of the body. This relieves pressure on nerves and aids in relief of symptoms. They can also provide corrective exercises and advice on ergonomic changes to prevent the return of nerve problems.

3. Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are health providers that utilize exercises, that strengthen particular muscles and muscle groups to provide relief from pain and improve functioning. Exercises may involve stretching and strengthening movements that target areas around the nerve. While normal exercise on your own can sometimes worsen a pinched nerve, a therapist’s approach can help achieve relief from symptoms.

4. Massage Therapy

Massage can also help to relieve pinched nerves by relaxing the muscles adjacent to the injured nerve and improving circulation to the area. It helps to improve blood flow to nerves and stimulates the production of healing chemicals, including natural pain-relieving neurotransmitter chemicals that reduce discomfort.

5. Heat and Ice

An ice pack is an easy and convenient method of reducing inflammation and discomfort from pinched nerves. Generally, keep the ice pack on the area for 10 minutes, and then remove it for 20 minutes periodically throughout the day. A variety of different ice packs are available at your local pharmacy, or you can even use a bag of frozen vegetables. Once the inflammation has been relieved, you can follow up your efforts with a heating pad placed on the area for a period of time. Place a thin cloth between the pad and your skin to prevent burns. You can also find gel-type heat packs that can be warmed in the microwave oven at your local pharmacy.

Pinched nerves problems can often come and go, depending on your activities. It can be a sign of a structural issue that may require further investigation. However, if you apply one or more of these methods, you will be better able to find relief from the uncomfortable symptoms.