If you’re struggling with a pinched nerve, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 85 of 100,000 American adults suffer from pinched nerves. This health concern can happen at any age but is common in adults aged 50 and above because of other health-related problems like arthritis and degeneration in the spine and other body parts.

The good news is you can do several things to relieve the pain and tingling associated with a pinched nerve. Finding pinched nerves relief in Decatur is possible even without relying on medication or over-the-counter drugs. More people are looking for natural ways to manage their health concerns, and luckily for us, natural options are available.

When will the pinched nerve stop hurting?

A pinched nerve can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in your arm or leg. The condition happens when things like bone, cartilage, tendons, or muscles put too much pressure on a nerve. Although it can be painful, you can do a few practical things in the comfort of your home to alleviate the pain and discomfort you experience.

In some cases, rest and other conservative methods can help most people recover within a few days or weeks. However, in severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery to relieve pain from a pinched nerve which will take some time to recover.

What are the best natural ways to relieve pinched nerves?

The pinched nerve should be corrected like a bent or curled wire that needs to be straightened out. Simply put, your nerve needs to be released to relieve the pressure. Let’s explore a few natural ways to manage the tingling and achieve total pinched nerves relief in Decatur.

#1. Adjust your posture and use proper ergonomics

Prolonged sitting eventually brings about poor posture and is one of the contributing factors in developing a pinched nerve. Investing in an ergonomic chair can potentially minimize this. Some people even use a standing desk that allows you to lift and lower your desk or work area as you please. This helps you not to be stuck in just one sitting position the whole time.

Slouching also puts unnecessary strain on your spine, which can lead to pinched nerves. Instead, sit up straight with both feet flat on the floor. Keep your shoulders back and down, knees slightly bent, and stomach pulled to maintain proper alignment when standing. Avoid lifting heavy objects, but if necessary, assume a solid stance by squatting down instead of bending over at the waist, keeping the object close to your body, using both hands, and avoiding unnecessary movements or twisting.

#2. Do some yoga and light exercises

A few daily stretches or a yoga routine may help relieve the muscle pressure and tension and ease pressure on the nerve. However, it’s important not to overdo it—stretching too hard can worsen your symptoms. Instead, focus on gentle, gradual stretches that don’t aggravate your pain.

#3. Reinforce the affected body part with a splint

Whenever possible and if necessary, use a splint on the area of the pinched nerve. Temporarily restricting movement in the affected area can help the nerve to heal. This is commonly applied when there’s a pinched nerve in the wrist area to help prevent further damage.

#4. Alternate warm and cold compress

You can do this when there’s inflammation in the affected area. First, apply an iced pack on the swollen or inflamed area, then alternately, after 72 hours, apply a warm compress to relieve the pressure.

Applying cold or head to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. Heat dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow and helps relax muscles. On the other hand, ice numbs the area and can help reduce inflammation.

Choose one or the other, and don’t apply heat and ice simultaneously, as this can damage your skin. You can also try applying heat for 15 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of ice for three cycles per day, and observe your symptoms after. Be sure to wrap the heat source in a towel so you don’t burn yourself, and don’t apply ice directly to your skin. Better to wrap it in a thin cloth first.

#5. Get some sleep

Sometimes healing happens when you allow it to. The same goes for a compressed nerve. When you can tolerate the pain, get some much-needed rest and sleep to give time for the affected nerve to heal on its own.

You can also try to sleep with a pillow between your knees. If you prefer sleeping on your side, it would be best to prop your pillow between your knees. Doing so will help relieve pressure on the spine and your pinched nerve. For back sleepers, placing a pillow below the knees might be handy. On the one hand, if you tend to lay on your belly, we suggest placing a pillow under the hips. This will help prevent putting too much strain on your back during sleep.

Lasting pinched nerves relief in Decatur

If these self-care methods aren’t enough to give you lasting relief, or if your symptoms continue to appear, another option is to seek help from a Specific chiropractic doctor. There might be a misalignment in your spine that has been putting unnecessary stress and pressure on your nerves, which can also affect the blood flow.

Specific chiropractic care focuses on maintaining the balance and alignment of your bones to support your body’s optimum health. Any misalignment must be corrected, and the bones must be put back to their proper position to maintain balance and proper alignment and alleviate pressure on your nerves, tissues, muscles, and ligaments. So it’s not surprising that many people who complain about pinched nerves and receive chiropractic adjustments report positive results.

To help identify if a misalignment is to blame for that uncomfortable tingling sensation you’ve been enduring for weeks or longer, you can book a consultation with us by calling 404-370-8050. You may also book an appointment online via our website, and we’ll help you find the best approach to enjoy lasting pinched nerves relief in Decatur. We’ll be glad to be of help on your journey to pain-free living! Call us today!

To schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Brien, call our Decatur office at 404-370-8050. You can also click the button below.