By: Helen Polaski
When relieving a pinched nerve with hot and cold packs, remember two basic rules: Don't place hot or cold packs directly on your skin, and always alternate hot and cold packs every 20 minutes.
Relieving pressure on a pinched nerve may take time. Your body has been injured; give it time to heal. If you are involved in sports, give yourself a minimum of a week to rest. During this time, do not press your body into actions that may further harm the nerve. Instead, take it easy for a week or so, longer if the pain persists.
Tips for Relieving a Pinched Nerve
- See a physician to determine if you are suffering from a pinched nerve and not something more serious. Pinched nerve symptoms are very similar to symptoms of circulation problems.
- Bed rest is only necessary if warranted. Ask your doctor. If you are able to get around without difficulty, find out if you can take it easy and try to avoid using the muscles that are involved.
- Get plenty of liquids and good food to replenish your ailing body.
- While massage often helps in the long run, initially it can be very painful to touch the spot that is affected. Try heating the muscle first, then applying gentle massage with light pressure to loosen it.
- Alternate hot and cold packs: 20 minutes hot, then 20 minutes cold. If possible, alternate hot and cold packs for several hours every day. Not everyone finds relief in this manner. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, as well as physical therapy to help you heal.
- Sometimes surgery is the only thing that will relieve the painful burning sensations that accompanya pinched nerve. Ask your doctor for details, then get a second opinion. Do not enter into surgery lightly. Back and neck surgery can have lasting side effects.
What Causes Pinched Nerves?
- Incorrect Posture: Correct posture not only can help relieve a pinched nerve, it can often prevent you from getting a pinched nerve in the first place.
- Arthritis: Joint swelling caused by arthritis can lead to a pinched nerve. If you can relieve your arthritis symptoms, you may be able to alleviate a pinched nerve as well.
- Repetitive Motion: Overuse is one of the biggest causes of pinched nerves. If your job or hobby requires using your muscles in a certain way over and over again, you may experience pinched nerves from time to time if the muscles swell. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common example of this. Lifting heavy objects and going through the same repetitive motions over and over are also good ways to end up with a pinched nerve. To avoid injury, rest your body often and avoid overworking the same muscle groups.
