You must have seen or heard people complaining about having a pinched nerve. Some conditions are more painful than a pinched nerve, but what exactly does it mean about this commonly occurring injury?
This condition occurs when the nerve pinches from pressure or pressing by the bone or joint around it. The result is inflammation and pain till it ceases. With poor health and poor posture, the condition could be worse.
Note that this condition can occur anywhere along the spine and in any joint in the body. Luckily enough, the pinched nerve chiropractor near you has enough relief routes that can help you fix it.
Here are a few symptoms to consider:
Pinched nerves decrease a person’s mobility and may restrict you from comfortable sitting for an elongated period. Sometimes, it becomes problematic to stand up from a sitting position. It also causes problems bending and sleeping due to painful muscle spasms.
As nerves control the body by communicating with several internal organs and smooth muscles, being diagnosed with a pinched nerve robs it of this ability, so the body cannot heal internally.
Take a Break
Similar to most problems, taking a break is usually the best solution. The chiropractor in Traverse City, MI, advises beginning with resting the affected area and the surrounding muscles and joints rather than using them. If a specific position causes the pain, try to avoid that position.
You should also ensure you have enough sleep daily, which can accelerate the healing process. You should notice symptoms from the first night of resting since you have given your body enough recovery time.
Fix your posture
Bad posture is among the most significant contributors to a pinched nerve. Awkward sitting positions and a hunched back causes the body unnecessary stress, especially in the back and neck. Lousy posture is prevalent among people with desk jobs and is among the most common sufferers of a pinched nerve.
After fixing the posture, you should notice a commendable improvement to your health and ensure your back is always straightened when seated. A good way is always you see your computer monitor at eye level.
Stretch
According to the chiropractor near you, pinched nerves sometimes go away by themselves by simply stretching several times a day. It doesn’t need you to be a yoga master. Regular gentle stretches between your work hours can help you overcome the pinched nerve.
Use Ice or Heat
Ice and heat pads applied on the affected area of the pinched nerves at intervals are essential to reduce swelling and inflammation. Reducing inflammation is critical because it can cause further stress in the pinched nerve area.
Chiro care recommends hydrotherapy (switching between applying heat and ice packs). Use light pressure on the swollen part for fifteen minutes thrice a day. Do not do it for more than fifteen minutes, as it slows down the healing process. Place heating pads 4 – 5 times a week or take regular warm baths.
Utilize Standing Work Stations
Like earlier mentioned, bad posture leads the causes of pinched nerves, especially for people sitting in front of a desk all day. If you suffer one or several pinched nerves, replacing your desk with a standing workstation can mitigate the symptoms.
A standing workstation forces you to improve your posture while actively engaging your body throughout the day. If you cannot add a standing workstation in your office, consider taking a standing break per hour or a 5 – 10-minute walk.
A splint or a Brace
Pinched nerves need rest, and continuing to utilize them only worsens the condition. Pinched nerves of the wrists, especially, are difficult to treat since the hand is constantly in motion.
Therefore, an effective way to treat the weak spot is by using a splint. Even if it’s possible to control the hand movement during the day, it can become challenging to prevent the body from moving during sleep. A splint, therefore, prevents these unnecessary movements.
Chiropractic Care
Finally, opt for chiropractic treatment for your pinched nerves. Chiropractic experts have a deep understanding of the body and the nerves to minimize pain and relieve tension, hastening recovery.