What to Do When You Get a PInched Nerve
By Stephen R. Farris
Have you ever had to deal with a pinched nerve? It can strike out of the blue to just about anyone. A pinched nerve happens when the nerve is compressed by tissue or bone. It could be in your neck, upper or lower pain, with the pain ranging anywhere from a burning sensation, sometimes shooting down the leg.
Most of the time when that burning, shooting sensation hits, it's usually associated with a condition called sciatica. But it could also be the result of an injury or getting older.
When a pinched nerve hits, you might try a few home remedies to try to make the pain go away. If it persists, then you probably should consult with a physician or chiropractor.
Some of the symptoms of nerve pain may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Sharp or burning pain in the lower back or buttocks
- Pain that shoots down one leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Shoulder pain
- Sharp pain in one arm
- Weakness or tingling in one arm
- Increase in pain when moving the neck and/or shoulder
Other causes of nerve pain could be from:
- Inflammation
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Herniated disk
- Infection
- Osteoporosis
As mentioned earlier, there could be other factors involved that cause nerve pain or pinched nerve. Being overweight or obese is one, aging could be another factor, along with not being as physically active as we should be, and poor posture.
There are a few options you can try at home, such as limiting the amount of physical activity you do. You can also try hot/cold therapy to get a little relief as well. There are certain exercises you might try too, but you should probably talk with your local doctor or chiropractor to hear what they suggest when it comes to exercising to get relief.
Many times we seek out over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen products for relief. If so, these should be used sparingly. Opioid addiction is on the rise in the United States, according to studies.
Worst case scenario, surgery may be a last resort.
It's always best to visit with your local doctor or chiropractor to let them check you out, versus trying to diagnose your condition on your own.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.