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What are the Different Natural Ways to Treat a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is a typically painful occurrence caused when a nerve is trapped in some way by a bone, cartilage, muscle, or joint. The pressure exerted on the nerve usually prevents it from functioning properly, resulting in numbness, tingling and pain. At the site of the pressure, an inflammatory process occurs which in itself can be quite painful. While relatively common, there are several natural ways to treat a pinched nerve such as massaging the affected area, applying cold and hot packs, and taking herbal remedies.
The pain from a pinched nerve is the result of inflammation at the site of nerve compression as well as the pressure on the nerve itself. As such, most natural ways to treat a pinched nerve involves relieving one or both of these factors while giving the nerve itself a chance to mend on its own.
A simple method for treating pinched nerves is to apply an ice pack to the area. Do so for no more than 25 minutes at a time to prevent ice burn. The theory behind this technique is that the cold redirects the blood supply to the deeper tissues. This improves circulation to the muscles and affected nerves which in turn, promotes healing. The nerve is also numbed by the cold, further alleviating the pain. Hot packs may be used as a pinched nerve treatment especially if the pain has persisted for more than three days.
Some types of natural remedies can also treat a pinched nerve. Hypericum, or St. John’s Wort, has been shown to be an effective natural pinched nerve remedy. However, people taking certain medications like antidepressants are advised not to take it. Fish oils, on the other hand, are thought to reduce the inflammation caused by pressure on a pinched nerve.
Deep muscle massage is another natural way to treat a pinched nerve and when used regularly commonly eases muscle spasm around a damaged nerve. Additionally, immobilizing the area around a painful nerve can be helpful in some circumstances. During sleep, splints or braces can be worn to immobilize a joint and allow the surrounding muscles and nerves to rest.
Preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of a pinched nerve or to minimize any exacerbation. For instance, paying attention to posture at all times, taking regular exercise, and avoiding unnecessary weight gain may be effective. In addition, a healthy diet that is rich in potassium and low in acidity may help to heal a pinched nerve.
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![A man with a pinched nerve in his wrist.]()
By: SerenethosA man with a pinched nerve in his wrist. -
![An ice pack, which can help with pain from a pinched nerve.]()
By: Marc DietrichAn ice pack, which can help with pain from a pinched nerve. -
![A woman with neck pain from a pinched nerve.]()
By: Yuri ArcursA woman with neck pain from a pinched nerve. -
![A deep muscle massage may help treat a pinched nerve.]()
By: lunamarinaA deep muscle massage may help treat a pinched nerve. -
![Wearing a brace can help stabilize muscles and alleviate pain from a pinched nerve.]()
By: Julián RovagnatiWearing a brace can help stabilize muscles and alleviate pain from a pinched nerve. -
![A gel pack can be used to numb pain caused by a pinched nerve in the neck.]()
By: JPC-PRODA gel pack can be used to numb pain caused by a pinched nerve in the neck.
Discussion Comments
@burcidi-- I'm not sure that there is actually a treatment for a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves heal themselves, you just have to give it time and not exacerbate it more by adding more pressure there.
I think physical therapy and exercise when done properly can quicken the healing period, but it's not really treating it. I agree that the less pressure on the nerve, the less pain and irritation there will be. You will also be back to your regular movement more quickly.
But I don't think it's right to look for any cures or special remedies for this condition. It's not going to happen overnight.
I treated my pinched nerve by warming up my body and doing some exercise movements that my doctor showed me. I had a pinched nerve in my back. My doctor said that the nerve got trapped between the bone and tissue and is causing me pain. He said that if I can warm up my body, relax that area and do the right kind of movement, the nerve can be released.
So I followed his recommendation. I learned the movements before hand and did them consecutively for several days. I did some walking first to warm up my body, took a hot shower and did the exercises afterward. It worked.
I do recommend this treatment, it makes sense, it's easy and natural. Just make sure you get the directions from your doctor and not someone else. If you do something wrong, you could make it a lot worse instead of fixing it.
A friend of mine swears by acupuncture for pinched nerves. She developed a pinched nerve in her neck three months ago while exercising and it didn't resolve itself for two months. She was in a lot of pain and couldn't even go to work anymore.
She took anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, even went to physical therapy in this time frame. None of it worked. Finally, she went to an acupuncture specialist for it and had three sessions with her. Acupuncture is where they put these super small needles on certain spots of the body to relieve pressure. You don't even feel the needles, there is no pain involved.
Anyway, acupuncture completely solved my friend's problem, the pinched nerve was released in three sessions and she's been feeling great.
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