Relief for Pinched Nerves

A pinched nerve can be a part of a larger problem or a minor annoyance. Regardless, it is usually uncomfortable and painful. Luckily, there are a number of herbal and man-made medicines and dietary changes available to help reduce the pain and suffering it brings.

Nutritional Supplements

• Some people use nutritional supplements, such as herbs, to provide relief for a pinched nerve, but in general, prescription drugs are more effective at helping to relieve pain. Nonetheless, there are those who claim herbs help heal the injury---and don't just mask the pain---and are preferable because they are non-addictive.
  Increasing nutrients in the body helps minimize the pain from a pinched nerve. For example, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids help reduce pain thanks to the presence of chromium. Linoleic acid is thought to be one of the best nutrients for helping to prevent future pain from a pinched nerve.

What Can Help

• To reduce the likelihood of getting a pinched nerve, take supplements that include magnesium, or herbal medicines such as ginseng and garlic.
  Though not as popular as man-made treatments, vervain is an herbal medicine that users claim has an aspirin-like ability to reduce pain. However, unlike aspirin, it must be taken for several weeks before it works. In addition, grape seed extract is often prescribed to help relieve the pain felt from a pinched nerve.