Why Do Some Pinched Nerves Last Longer Than Others? Some pinched nerves may last longer than others for a number of reasons. These reasons may consist of everything from poor posture (typically a short-term pinched nerve), to an actual physical injury (typically a longer-term pinched nerve).
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.
A pinched nerve can become serious, causing chronic pain, or even lead to permanent nerve damage. Fluid and swelling can do irreversible damage to the nerves, so be sure to contact your provider if your symptoms worsen or don't improve after several days.
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.
Can a pinched nerve become permanent? The answer is most of the time a pinched nerve will get better with rest and over-the-counter medications. It can, however, become a chronic condition, so you should see a doctor if you don't see improvement within a few days.
In most situations, a pinched nerve may last anywhere from a few days to a few months in severe scenarios. The best thing you can do to possibly reduce the time you're experiencing the pinched nerve issue is to seek the appropriate medical care as soon as possible.
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.
Overview of pinched nerve
There are eight nerve roots in your neck. They control muscles and therefore affect feeling in different areas of your upper body and arms. While a pinched nerve isn't life-threatening, it can cause problems with daily living and potentially permanent nerve damage.
To achieve full recovery, the nerve must undergo three main processes: Wallerian degeneration (the clearing process of the distal stump), axonal regeneration, and end-organ reinnervation.
Surgery. If the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve.
You may experience tingling feelings and possibly sensations similar to electrical shock, which is a good sign of having new sensitive nerves. Whatever you feel during the journey, be sure to talk to your doctor about it during your follow-up appointments.
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.
In some rare cases, a pinched nerve can get worse and lead to prolonged weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arm, shoulder, or hand. In these cases, nerve restriction can lead to damage, which requires treatment to avoid permanent changes.
If the pressure on the nerve isn't relieved in a short amount of time, the nerve damage may become permanent, causing chronic pain and muscle weakness. One example of progressive nerve damage is cauda equina syndrome, a severe complication of pinched nerves at the base of the spinal cord.
Physiotherapy is an effective method of treatment for trapped nerves and it is important to seek physiotherapy treatment as soon as possible to relieve symptoms and prevent any long-term damage.
If the surrounding muscles are constricting a nerve it is typically known as a pinched nerve. This often occurs in the neck area and can be caused by bad posture. In these instances, our physiotherapists will help you with proper posture and prescribe exercises to relieve the pain.
Absolutely. Physical therapy is a great way to help alleviate and heal nerve damage. Nerve damage can manifest in all sorts of ways.
Luckily, pinched nerves are treatable. A chiropractor from Specific Care Chiropractic can diagnose the cause of your nerve-related symptoms, treat the underlying problem, and help you experience symptom relief. We may use a range of adjustments and secondary treatments tailored to your healthcare needs.
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. If your doctor suspects it could be a pinched nerve, you will have an MRI, a type of imaging that can highlight where the nerve might be compressed.
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.
The outlook for peripheral neuropathy varies, depending on the underlying cause and which nerves have been damaged. Some cases may improve with time if the underlying cause is treated, whereas in some people the damage may be permanent or may get gradually worse with time.
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.
If you're experiencing a pinched nerve that has lasted more than a week or two it would be wise to seek medical help. Without treatment, pinched nerves in areas like your hips, lower back, and wrists can easily last weeks. Areas like your shoulders, neck, and legs can easily last between a year and several years.