How to Cope with a Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve happens when bone, cartilage or muscle presses on a nerve. Symptoms include pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in the area. Coping with the pain and discomfort of a pinched nerve can become harder if the condition is a chronic one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Talk to your doctor about the pinched nerve. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Proper diagnosis is the first step in understanding the condition and finding ways of coping with and improving the situation. If the pinched nerve is a chronic condition, you may benefit from a second or third opinion on the problem in case your primary doctor has missed something.
2. Use NSAIDs to help relieve the pain of a pinched nerve. Chronic or severe pain may require prescription pain medication. Talk to your doctor about managing the pain or visit a pain management clinic. Corticosteroid injections may also help reduce the pain and in some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed as well.
3. Consult a physical therapist. Depending on the site of the pinched nerve, physical therapy might help you stretch the muscles in the area and strengthen them. You may also find modifications for activities that aggravate the pinched nerve. In some cases, these modifications will reduce the pain and help you live life more normally.
4. Try biofeedback techniques to relax and reduce the pain. By learning to lower your heart rate and control your breathing, you can often relax your muscles and calm your nerves. You may reduce the pain or learn to cope with it more effectively.
5. Continue to seek help and opinions until your pain is at a tolerable level. Many people suffer because they accept their doctor's advice without looking beyond it to holistic and natural treatments.