A massage will relax the affected muscles and take some of the pressure off the nerve, making it a valuable addition to your recovery plan. Of course, you'll want to get your doctor's approval before you consider a massage (or any other treatment) for pinched nerve pain relief.
Massage therapy may be a great option in relieving a pinched nerve because sometimes muscle tension may be the cause of the pressure. A light to medium pressure massage such as a Swedish massage is ideal and will help to loosen up connective tissues.
Ideally, you want a gentle but firm massage that relaxes the tensed-up muscles and deeper layers of tissue in your body to alleviate the pressure being put on your nerves. Some experts recommend the Swedish massage for this purpose, as it is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable massage styles out there.
The most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint, collar or brace to immobilize the area.
The Best Types of Massage for Pinched Nerves
For a pinched nerve in the lower back, a deep tissue massage could provide more relief. The muscles in your low back, glutes, and hips are very dense, and it might take more pressure to release tension and encourage those soft tissues to relax.
A nerve may become compressed or pinched in any number of ways, but the root cause of a pinched nerve tends to be some type of problem with the musculoskeletal system. Because this is a problem of the musculoskeletal system, the care of a chiropractor tends to be one of the best options for addressing this issue.
In cases of nerve damage, massage therapy can be useful to relieve symptoms and improve the overall health of a patient. If you are experiencing a tingling sensation, numbness, or pain in some areas of your body, massage therapy may be able to alleviate these symptoms.
Pinched nerves can last from a few days to about a month, depending on how you treat it. It is typically a temporary condition that you can treat on your own, but it's important to not ignore long-lasting or acute pain as it could be the sign of a bigger problem.
If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there's usually no permanent damage. Once the pressure is relieved, nerve function returns to normal. However, if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur.
So how long does a pinched nerve cause pain and discomfort? In most cases, symptoms improve and nerve function resumes to normal within 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatment. Conservative treatment options include physical therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Yes, absolutely! They often provide an immediate form of pain relief, due to their effectiveness at relaxing muscles. Massage for trapped nerves works well because it allows a person to relax and lie still for some time, meaning their cortisol drops, which then allows the muscles to relax and repair more easily.
Applying gentle pressure around the affected area may help relieve tension, and a full body massage can help the muscles relax. Deep tissue massages may not be a good idea because the extra pressure may make the symptoms worse.
A little stretching may be enough to ease some of your pinched nerve pain—a 2009 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy showed promising results. Stretching with gentle resistance, either using resistance bands or your own hands, can also be quite helpful.
Chiropractic is a great way to relieve pinched nerves – and it's something we can do for you today. Professional Chiropractors have an intimate understanding of the body and the nerves, and know where to apply pressure to reduce pain, relieve tension, and hasten recovery.
These are common symptoms: Pain and stiffness in the neck, back, or lower back. Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks, or down into the legs (sciatica) Numbness, cramping, or weakness in the arms, hands, or legs.
MRI. MRIs create images using a radiofrequency magnetic field, a technique that clearly shows pinched nerves, disc disease, and inflammation or infections in the spinal tissues. MRI is usually the preferred imaging for pinched nerves.
Physiatrists and neurosurgeons are the best doctors to treat pinched nerves due to their specialized training in the complicated system of nerves, spine, and pain pathways. That level of expertise helps ensure the best recovery from pinched nerves possible.
Pinched nerve, or radiculopathy is a serious health condition that can be helped by acupuncture for pinched nerves. Pinched nerves occur when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues resulting in pain. Symptoms vary in intensity and location depending on which nerve(s) are injured.
Research Shows Why Massage Can Help With Pinched Nerves
If muscle tension is the cause of the pressure on your nerve, massage therapy may provide the relief you seek. Try a gentle, relaxing Swedish massage, which will loosen up your tense muscles and may release the pressure around your nerve.
Once the inflammation calms down, heat can help relax any tense muscles near the pinched nerve. Heat can also stimulate blood flow, which can aid in healing. Try using a heating pad or a warm compress. As with ice, you should protect your skin from direct heat.
Walking. While it won't un-pinch a nerve, the postures you're in while walking typically relieve stress on a pinched sciatic nerve. “As you walk, you gently stretch the nerve through its range of motion,” says Dr. Morrow.
L5 NERVE ROOT DAMAGE
A pinched L5 nerve root usually results in radiating pain in the foot. This pain can come in the form of numbness, tingling, weakness and shooting and is commonly felt in the big toe, inside of the foot, top of the foot and ankle.