How to Undo a Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve is a type of nerve damage in which the signal being sent along the nerve is being interrupted. Common symptoms of a pinched nerve are pain, numbness, tingling and weakness of the muscles surrounding the nerve. It can result from too much compression or swelling around the nerve. Often it is caused by other conditions, such as carpel tunnel syndrome in the wrist, but you can develop a pinched nerve anywhere in the body. A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a herniated disc or arthritis, among other conditions. Most patients are able to "undo" and recover from their pinched nerve with treatment, but some cases require surgery or are irreversible, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Things You'll Need

• Brace or splint
• Physical therapy
• Pain medication
• Appointment with physician

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear a brace or splint, depending on where the pinched nerve is, to help alleviate acute pain and allow healing. For instance, if the pinched nerve is in the arm, wear a brace to limit the movement of muscles around the nerve. This will help the nerve recover and prevent further injury.

• 2

  Do physical therapy. A therapist can help you stretch and strengthen certain muscles to help relieve the pressure on the nerve, and assist you with ergonomic and other modifications you can make to aid the recovery process.

• 3

  Take pain medication as directed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, will help reduce the inflammation around the nerve. Your doctor can also prescribe drugs for nerve-related pain, such as gabapentin (Lyrica) and pregabalin (Neurontin).

• 4

  Consult with your doctor about surgery. If you have tried all the other treatments and pain persists after several weeks, surgery may be recommended. If there are signs of severe nerve damage, such as weakness in the muscles, surgery can help release pressure on the nerve. If the pinched nerve is in your back, the procedure may involve removing part of a herniated disc or spur that is putting pressure on the pinched spinal nerve.