Whether it’s in your back, neck, or some other part of the body, there’s no mistaking the searing pain that a pinched nerve can cause. Regardless of what you are doing, when this pain appears, nothing else matters; all you want is some form of relief as soon as possible.
That feeling of numbness and weakness usually accompanied by pain can result from a herniated disc, a bone spur, or any number of causes or behaviors. It occurs when pressure from muscles, cartilage, bone, or tendons press down on the nerve causing painful and unpleasant sensations throughout the body, leaving you with a battery of symptoms in the process.
When Will It Go Away?
While immediate relief may be foremost on your mind, when this condition presents itself, how long it lasts depends on several factors.
The cause: In many cases, although painful, the condition is most likely temporary and will go away after a few days. In general, these are often the result of habits that aggravate or trigger the situation rather than an underlying medical condition.
- Repetitive movements,
- Injuries
- Poor posture
- Sleeping position
To relieve such cases, simply eliminating the cause can bring you relief. Wearing splints or making simple adjustments to your movement have effectively taken the pressure off the nerve.
The location:
Pinched nerves can appear in many parts of the body, including:
- Lower back
- Legs
- Hip
- Shoulder
- Wrist
However, the cause and the solution may be out of your control in more chronic conditions. For example, suppose the nerve is located in your lower back. In that case, it could be the result of a herniated disc compressing on the nerve roots or arthritis. These conditions can create shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, or even your leg. Often the pain radiates out from its origin to other parts of the body.
Can You Treat a Pinched Nerve at Home?
Often you can use a few home remedies to alleviate the pain and discomfort. When the pain first occurs, try these for a speedier recovery:
- Ice packs
- Heating pads
- Rest
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Stretching the affected area
- Eliminating the triggering habit
- Adjusting your posture
In most cases, these will usually go away on their own. However, if you find that the pain has lasted more than a week, you are in extreme pain, or recurring, it may be time to get some help. Pinched nerves left untreated can lead to more permanent damage.
A visit to your doctor will help you understand what’s triggering the pain. You may be struggling with significant nerve damage or any other issues that could be at the root of the problem. After thorough analysis, he may recommend physical therapy, splits, or in more extreme cases, some surgery.
The good news is that even in chronic cases where the symptoms may seem extreme, you can begin to feel relief within a short amount of time with proper rest and the right treatment.