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How to Relieve Arm Pain Caused by a Pinched Nerve

Arm pain can sometimes be caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. The pinched nerve in your neck could be caused from strain, tension, vertebral fractures, blood vessel injury and whiplash. It's important to prevent yourself from getting a pinched nerve by exercising and refraining from keeping your neck in one position for too long. Once the nerve is pinched, a severe strain of pain can shoot through the arm, and in severe cases it can cause the arm to become immobile.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic bag
  • Ice cubes
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Prescribed muscle relaxers
  • Prescribed steroid injection
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add two or three ice cubes or crushed ice to a plastic bag. Apply the bag directly to the area between your neck and shoulder blade. Keep the ice on the area for at least 15 minutes. This will help to reduce any swelling caused from the pinch nerve.

    • 2

      Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Take the medication as directed on the label and make sure to drink plenty of water to help your immune system. This should be the quickest way to relieve pain.

    • 3

      Refrain from physical activity that could cause the pain in your arm to worsen. Rest as much as possible, but also exercise your arm throughout the day by gently moving it around in a circular motion to help stretch the muscles and reduce inflammation.

    • 4

      Consult with a doctor if the pain persists or worsens within two to three days. You may receive stronger pain relievers. For example, your doctor may prescribe you muscle relievers or other types of prescription pain relievers.

    • 5

      Have a steroid injection for extreme cases of a nerve pinch where medication is not enough to treat the pain. For example, if you lose feeling in your shoulder or arm, or if you can't move your arm, you should go to an emergency room for treatment. Let your doctor know if pain persists, and he may suggest giving a steroid injection in the area where the nerve was pinched.

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