If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain due to a pinched nerve, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option.
At The Jackson Clinics, we specialize in providing comprehensive physical therapy services and can help alleviate pinched nerve symptoms. Our team of highly skilled physical therapists will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
Imagine holding a straw in your hand and squeezing the middle as you sip a beverage. You will notice that not much liquid is able to pass through the straw and reach your mouth. Essentially, this is what happens when you have a “pinched” nerve.
A pinched nerve ensues when a nerve is compressed, and when it occurs in the neck area, the constriction causes a pain that radiates into the shoulder, then down the arm through the elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers.
This pressure disrupts the nerve’s normal function, leading to symptoms like:
- sharp or radiating pain
- tingling sensations
- numbness
- weakness
These symptoms can worsen with certain movements or activities.
They can develop due to various causes and risk factors, including repetitive motions, overuse of certain muscles, direct injury, herniated discs, arthritis, and medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease. The pinch may result from repetitive motions or from holding your body in one position for long periods, such as keeping your elbow bent while asleep.
Pinched nerves can occur in different parts of the body, such as the neck, back, shoulder, wrist, or leg.
Conservative Treatments
Because symptoms of a pinched nerve often resolve themselves after several weeks, surgery should be considered only as a last resort.
There are several conservative, nonsurgical treatments that may help alleviate pain from a pinched nerve. Often, relief can be obtained by simply resting the injured area and avoiding activities that tend to worsen the symptoms.
Self-Care Remedies For Pinched Nerves
When it comes to managing the symptoms of a pinched nerve at home, there are several remedies you can try.
- Try applying ice packs or warm compresses to the affected area to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Gentle stretching exercises and yoga poses targeting the affected area can also provide relief.
- Over-the-counter pain medications and topical creams may offer temporary relief.
Exercises for Pinched Nerve Relief
Incorporating targeted stretches and exercises into your routine can provide significant relief. Here are some recommended exercises:
- Neck Stretches: Gently tilt your head to the left, bringing your left ear toward your left shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then repeat on the right side.
- Shoulder Rolls: Sit or stand tall and roll your shoulders forward in a circular motion. Repeat this movement 10 times, then reverse the direction.
- Wrist Stretches: Extend your arm in front of you, palm facing up. With your other hand, gently pull back your fingers until you feel a stretch in your wrist. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch to the other hand.
If you’re looking for long-term relief, it’s important to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Start with gentle exercises and gradually increase intensity as your pain subsides.
Pharmacological Treatments
Pharmacological treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain and swelling and corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and allow inflamed nerves to recover.
However, in some cases, conservative treatments may only offer temporary relief.
There are also steps you can take to prevent future occurrences.
- Pay attention to your posture and body mechanics. Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can help alleviate unnecessary pressure on your nerves.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Exercise can improve your overall strength and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of nerve compression.
Seeking Professional Help
When Surgery is Necessary
If you continue to suffer from pain, numbness, or other issues that limit your ability to enjoy life and perform everyday tasks, surgery may be required.
After surgery, we can help you manage pain; provide information regarding lifestyle changes, such as finding a comfortable sleeping position; help you regain mobility and flexibility, and safely return to daily activity; and avoid a recurrence of your pinched nerve.
What do physical therapists do for a pinched nerve?
Physical therapy offers several benefits for individuals suffering from a pinched nerve:
- Pain Relief: Techniques such as manual therapy, joint mobilization, and therapeutic exercises target the affected area, reducing inflammation and releasing trapped nerves.
- Healing and Recovery: Targeted exercises and stretches help restore proper function, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body’s natural healing process.
- Improved Mobility: Physical therapy strengthens the affected muscles, improves flexibility, and restores range of motion, allowing individuals to regain mobility and resume normal activities.
Several physical therapy techniques can effectively alleviate the symptoms of a pinched nerve:
- A soft collar: limits neck motion, allowing the muscles to relax, and alleviates pressure on the nerve roots.
- Massage and cold laser therapy to lessen inflammation and muscle strain.
- Exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles in the affected area can relieve pressure on the nerve.
- Other therapeutic exercises can enhance muscular support of the spine and preserve a more vertical alignment, helping to prevent future episodes of a pinched nerve.
- Traction and spinal decompression can help take the pressure off the nerve roots.
Regular physical therapy check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal nerve health. A skilled physical therapist can assess your condition, provide appropriate treatments, and recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected nerve.
These check-ups not only aid in managing pinched nerve symptoms but can also prevent further complications and improve overall well-being.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
If you feel a tingling “pins and needles” sensation in your arm, elbow, wrist, or fingers, schedule an appointment with our expert physical therapists at The Jackson Clinics and take the first step towards a pain-free life.