Pain Relief

10 Ways To Fix Pinched Nerve In Neck At Home

10 Treatments for Pinched Nerve in Neck

1. Give yourself rest
2. Use OTC pain relief products
3. Do yoga and stretching
4. Massage your neck
5. Change your sleeping position
6. Use soft neck collars
7. Ice and heat therapy
8. Use cervical traction devices
9. Electrotherapy for pinched nerve
10. Adapt an active lifestyle

A pinched nerve in the neck is not a rare phenomenon. Apparently, pinched nerves are the most common cause of neck and shoulder pain. A cervical pinched nerve, medically known as cervical radiculopathy, is a condition where the nerve roots in the neck are irritated or compressed due to excessive pressure.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, cervical radiculopathy is often caused by "wear and tear" changes that occur in the spine as we age, such as arthritis. In younger people, it is most often caused by a sudden injury that results in a herniated disk. In most cases, a pinched nerve in the neck responds well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications.

Symptoms of Cervical Pinched Nerve

Usually, the pain associated with a trapped nerve in the neck starts with the neck and travels down the arm in the area connected with the compressed nerve. This pain can feel like a burning or sharp tingling sensation. Certain neck movements, such as extending the neck or turning the head, may increase the pain. Some other symptoms may include -

• "Pins and needles" like sensation or tingling in the fingers or hand
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness 

10 Treatments for Pinched Nerve in Neck

Typically, it takes four weeks for the pain associated with a pinched nerve to subside. However, the symptoms may return over time. Here are ten ways to fix pinched nerve in the neck at home -   

1. Give yourself rest

The first course of action to treat a pinched nerve in the neck is to give yourself rest. Limited movement can help reduce the chances of severe pain and inflammation. For the first few days, consider avoiding activities that require moving neck muscles. This may not completely eradicate the symptoms but can help mitigate the pain for a while.

Severe neck pain can also disturb sleep, which can aggravate the situation. Use cervical pillows designed to support the neck and promote a peaceful night's sleep.

2. Use OTC pain relief products

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and Excedrin can also relieve the inflammation and pain caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. However, if you are averse to NSAIDs, you can also use topical pain relievers such as sprays, balms, and gels to mitigate the pain. These analgesics contain menthol, which counterirritates the nerve endings and locally numbs the area.

3. Do yoga and stretching

Once the pain subsides, you can gently stretch the neck muscles to relieve tension and pressure in the neck and shoulders. It is important to note that too much movement can make situations worse. Although some stretches might cause little discomfort at first; however, if you experience moderate to severe pain, consider stopping and consulting a doctor to avoid any further damage.

4. Massage your neck

There is nothing a therapeutic massage can't do. Gently massaging your neck can relieve the tension from the pinched nerve and release stress from the body. Consider only gentle massage on the pain point. Too much pressure on the neck may worsen the symptoms. You can also use manual or electric massagers to massage the area on your own.

5. Change your sleeping position  

One of the most common causes of a pinched nerve is sleeping in the wrong position. If you are a stomach or back sleeper, consider sleeping on your side to prevent excessive pressure on the already compressed nerves. Choose a pillow that is neither too thick nor too thin and supports your neck and shoulder adequately.

6. Use soft neck collars

A soft collar is a padded ring that is put around the neck and fixed using Velcro. It limits neck movement and allows the muscles to rest. A neck collar can also help decrease the pinching of the nerve roots. Most doctors advise a cervical collar for short-term pain relief only since long-term use can impact neck muscle strength.

7. Ice and heat therapy

Temperature therapy is a great pain-relieving method which has been around for centuries. To treat a trapped nerve in the neck, use ice packs on the area in the first two days to reduce inflammation, followed by heat packs for pain relief. You can use both therapies simultaneously to improve blood circulation to the painful area. Make sure not to apply ice or heat packs directly to the skin to avoid ice or heat burns. Use a towel to wrap the pack.

8. Use cervical traction devices

Cervical traction is often used in conjunction with physical therapy to treat a pinched nerve in the neck. It involves gently stretching the neck and separating the disc and joint surfaces in the cervical spine. Apart from relieving neck pain, cervical traction also enhances the range of motion of the neck, aligns the spine, improves gait and posture, and makes the muscles more flexible. You can use a cervical traction device at home to treat a pinched nerve in the neck.

9. Electrotherapy for pinched nerve

Electrotherapy is gaining popularity as a credible pain-relieving method. Electrical muscle stimulation involves sending electrical impulses into the body to relieve tension and pressure. A TENS or EMS unit produces low-voltage electrical currents using electrodes placed on the pain area. The currents interrupt the pain signals sent to the brain and reduce the pain and inflammation.

10. Adapt an active lifestyle

Once the pain and inflammation are relieved, consider low-impact activities such as swimming, stretching, yoga, cycling, or brisk walking to keep yourself active. An active lifestyle improves the body's overall functioning and helps in quicker recovery. For overweight or obese individuals, losing some weight can also help prevent pinched nerves.

Where can I buy the best products for treating pinched nerve in the neck?

HPFY has been online since 2002. We carry products to treat pinched nerves, relieve neck stiffness, and manage shoulder pain. Explore our catalog today to find everything you need to stay healthy.

 

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