How to Manage Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve or set of nerves is injured because of pressure from surrounding tissues, constriction or stretching. Numbness, tingling, burning sensations and pain are common pinched nerve symptoms. Pinched nerves are frequently caused by repetitive movements, obesity, osteoarthritis, injury and poor posture. Most of the time, you can recover from a pinched nerve with home or medical treatment, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Instructions

• 1

  Rest the area. Rest is the most common treatment for a pinched nerve, according to NINDS. If you suspect a repetitive motion caused the pinched nerve, try to avoid the activity.

• 2

  Ask your doctor if you might benefit from wearing a splint or brace to prevent movement in the affected area.

• 3

  Try over-the-counter pain relievers that reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about the benefits of physical therapy, which can help you learn ways to avoid irritating the nerve.

• 5

  Discuss other possible medical treatments with your doctor. Corticosteroid injections may be helpful, and surgery may be a treatment option if your symptoms are severe and your pinched nerve does not respond to other treatments.