How to Ease the Pain of a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

A pinched nerve in the neck can make everything just a little harder. It can interfere with lying down, turning your head and in some cases can ultimately extend down your arm and numb your fingers (depending on the nerve being pinched). A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve is compressed or pinched often between the spinal column. Rest and time is often what is needed in the case of a pinched nerve although some cases require more extreme measures like surgery. Any severe pain should be checked out by a professional, but there are some things you can do to control the pain in the meantime.

Instructions

• 1

  Rest as much as you can. A pinched nerve can be aggravated by constant movement and can cause increased swelling. Avoid bending or lifting and reduce any activities that require you to turn your head often, such as driving.

• 2

  Apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes at a time every two to three hours. Make sure there is a thick layer between the ice pack and your skin so that the cold can get through but is not cold enough to be damaging (a medium thick towel is ideal).

• 3

  Take an anti-inflammatory such as naproxen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling around the nerve and the accompanying pain.