It is a very painful condition (although tingling and numbness can also be present) and can happen because of injury, strains, poor posture, sports activities, repetitive work or simply a misalignment in the body, disrupting the nerve's function.
Dealing with the Pain of a Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves are bothersome and painful, but they don’t necessarily have to be permanently debilitating. Here are five solutions to preventing and dealing with them.
- Stop the activity. If you engage in activities that aggravate the area of the pinched nerve, you may have to cut back or stop. This can mean a job change or other accommodation.
- Lose weight. Many nerve conditions are the result of additional body weight stressing certain areas.
- Stop high-impact sports. Running puts more stress on the back than walking, and the torque required for swinging a baseball bat may be worse than swimming. Work with your doctor to determine probable causes of the injury and determine alternatives.
- Get splints or supports. Some areas of the body, particularly the arms, can be held in a fixed position with a splint or brace. This is particularly used for cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, and the support should be worn while sleeping, since wrists can be extended or flexed during sleep. The doctor will also recommend curtailing or eliminating the repetitive stress activities that led to the carpal tunnel condition.
- Rest. Where possible, take some time to let the body heal itself.