A pinched nerve is a medical condition wherein there is a compression of the nerve. This compression tends to occur when excessive pressure is applied to the nerve by the cartilage, bones, muscles and tendons that surround it. A pinched nerve may result in pain in the shoulder, neck or even the lower back. A pinched nerve in the shoulder may restrict the functioning of the shoulder and this in turn may result in weakness of the muscles adjoining the shoulder as well as a tingling or numbness or twitching sensation followed by a sharp pain in the concerned area. In most cases, it has been observed that the primary cause of a pinched nerve is a restriction in the flow of blood to the root of the nerve.
Symptoms & Diagnosis: In case the C5 nerve root is compressed, there is likely to some amount of numbness and pain in the shoulder. A pinched C6 nerve root may trigger radiating pain mainly in the person's arm and even till the thumb. The wrist and arm muscles may also get affected. The main symptoms of C7 nerve compression is pain that travels down the arm. In such situations the middle finger may also go numb. A pinched C8 nerve may lead to discomfort in the outer portion of the hand.
Diagnosis of a pinched nerve is done after the doctor evaluates the individual's medical history and the symptoms that the person experiences. He will also inquire about recent physical activity and will ask the individual to point out the exact location of the pain and the type of pain. In some cases, the individual may be asked to undergo an MRI or other medical tests if an underlying condition is suspected.
Home Remedies: An individual suffering from the condition of a pinched nerve should avoid wrong postures, any strenuous manual work or even sitting or sleeping or walking awkwardly as this will aggravate the pain. Usually the nerves in one body perform the function of carrying messages from all parts of the body to the back and the brain. When the nerve gets pinched then the flow of nutrients is restricted and this in turn may result in the death of the nerve, resulting in the restricted movement of the muscles as well as some amount of numbness in the area. In some cases, a pinched nerve may also be caused by a deficiency of calcium in the individual or may even be an indication of spondylitis, spondlosis or a muscle spasm. A home remedy for pinched nerve in the back is to get plenty of rest and to improve one's posture while one is sitting or standing or even working. This is essential because it helps in restoring the flow of blood to the nerve root that has been affected. Improving ones posture is one of the essential home remedies for lower back because sleeping in an awkward position or hunching is known to lead to a lot of discomfort and pain as it restricts the flow of blood. Another one of the home remedies for pinched nerve in the neck is to prepare and place an ice pack on the area that is affected as this will help in numbing the area and thereby reduce the pain and easing the discomfort experienced by the individual.
Another one of the cures for pinched nerve in the back is to prepare a paste of cinnamon powder and honey and then apply this paste to the concerned area. This paste should be allowed to remain for at least eight to ten minutes before washing it off with some plain water. This home treatment for a pinched nerve in the back is known to be very effective as it tends to absorb the pain associated with the pinched nerve. However while using this pinched nerve home remedy, one needs to remember that on account of the exothermic nature of cinnamon, the skin may be left a little sore. Another one of the home remedies for pinched nerve in the arm is to apply some warm mustard oil on the affected area very gently. This will help in relaxing and eventually loosening the nerves.
One of the cures for pinched nerve in the neck which can also be used as one of the home remedies for pinched nerve in the neck is to apply the juice of the raw potato in the concerned area. The juice should then be washed off once it is dry. This is one of the effective pinched nerve remedies as it helps in speeding up the healing process. Pinched nerve in back remedies also include incorporating some amount of regular exercise in the form of a brisk walk and trying to maintain a healthy heart as this will in turn result in the proper flow of blood to the different nerves in one's body. In fact when checking how to heal a pinched nerve in the back, one should practice some light stretch exercises which will prove to be very beneficial in improving the blood circulation to the nerves. Cures for pinched nerve in the back also include maintaining a healthy and balanced diet which should be complete with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, zinc and calcium which are all very important for the healing process of a pinched nerve. Heat packs should ideally be avoided as one of the home remedies for pinched nerve as they may aggravate the problem and the pain. If one is constantly experiencing the problem of a pinched nerve then one should incorporate at least a twenty minute brisk walk in ones daily exercise routine. In some cases, relief from the pain associated with a pinched nerve in the arm or the has also been found by sleeping without a pillow as this tends to gradually relax and loosen the nerves allowing them to return to their normal position. One of the home remedies for pinched nerve in the lower back is to get a hot oil massage preferably using olive oil.
An olive oil massage is known to be one of the most effective cures for a pinched nerve because the heat of the warm olive oil combined with the healing properties of the olive oil are known to alleviate the symptoms of the pinched nerve. In fact olive oil massages are used by arthritic patients on their joints as well. Many a times, pinched nerve in the neck or the back or the arm may be caused by a deficiency of calcium in ones diet. In such cases one should incorporate calcium enriched foods such as yogurt, milk, nuts, fish, cheese and soy milk in ones daily diet. Similarly, the deficiency of potassium may also result in a pinched nerve in the back or the shoulder. Some of the potassium enriched foods that can be included in ones diet are papayas, figs, bananas, watermelons and so on. Those suffering from or prone to pinched nerves should also avoid the consumption of acidic foods.
answered by M W