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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overview. A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.
Stretch It Out. 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.
Will a pinched nerve go away on its own? How long does it take? Yes, most will with time (normally four to six weeks). You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Signs of a Pinched Nerve
Burning pain. Pain that radiates outward, from one body part to other. Numbness. Decreased sensation.
Nerve Pain
It's best to use cold when the pain is still sharp and move on to heat once that sharpness has subsided. The heat will increase blood flow and help tissues heal faster.
Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the emergency room if you have: Sudden onset of numbness, weakness, or paralysis of an arm or leg that does not go away. Loss of bladder or bowel control. Loss of sensation in your genital or anal regions.
A hot bath or shower, or a heating pad, can help tense muscle relax,taking pressure off your nerves. Take NSAIDs. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help to numb pain and reduce inflammation so you can rest.
If you suffer with nerve pain, sitting for long periods of time is slowly damaging the nerves over time. Sitting can affect the nerves most vulnerable to pain sensations, such as tingling, burning or stabbing pain.
Elevate Your Legs: If your pinched nerve is located in the back, elevating your legs will help release pressure from the spine. Ice and Heat: Alternating ice and heat packs can help reduce swelling and inflammation and increase circulation to the area, which helps relieve pain.
Keeping your head titled, rotate your head outwards slightly, as if you were looking over your shoulder. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Perform the same movement to the painful side. If you feel neck pain, pain or tingling that radiates down the arm, or numbness, then you have tested positive.
To determine whether you have a pinched nerve or something else, speak with a primary care doctor, neurologist or neurosurgeon. The doctor will ask you questions about your pain and medical history, and do a physical examination to determine if you have a pinched nerve or another issue.
The pressure affects the nerve's function and triggers symptoms ranging from sharp pain and numbness of the skin to weakness and tingling. If left untreated, a pinched nerve can cause severe complications, including permanent nerve damage.