Sometimes even a small disbalanced move can cause a great harm to health of a person. A pinched nerve is an example of this. When too much pressure is applied to the nerve by surrounding tissues then it causes pinched nerve. Pinched nerve can occur because of number of reasons and it disrupts the nerve function in a way that it causes severe pain and weakness. This can happen at multiple locations on the body and can impact the lower spine as well. Pinched nerve is also a by-result of many diseases and health issues. Let us understand why does pinched nerve occur and how can it be avoided.
What Causes Pinched Nerve?
Pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied by the tissues surrounding that nerve. Dr. Sumeet Nigam, General Physician from Sahara Hospital, Lucknow explains the process of pinched nerve. According to him, pinched nerve is a common issue faced by people having some diseases. Due to those conditions, their tissues apply extra pressure on the nerve. It can happen even when a tissue pushes it towards a cartilage or bone. Pincher nerve can also happen when herniated spinal disk compresses a nerve root, which can be very painful and severe. In general pinched nerve is common in muscles and tendons and can be treated with help of some remedies at home itself.
Conditions Causing Pinched Nerve
A number of conditions can be responsible for causing pinched nerve. These are some common conditions in which people often complain of having a pain due to this problem. Conditions of pinched nerve include-
- Injury
- Wrist arthritis or Rheumatoid
- Obesity
- Sports activities
- Stress from repetitive work
- Pregnancy
Normally there is no damage to the body or nerve it is for a short period. If the pressure is released, nerve function returns to normal. But in certain conditions, it does not return and that problem as well as pressure increases causing a number of other issues like chronic pain etc.
Remedies to Treat Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerve can be of different kinds. Most of the times, it occurs due to an injury or stress. But in other conditions it can cause permanent damage to the nerve which can lead to other health problems. If you have symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning or getting pinned, then it can be pinched nerve. Here are some remedies which can treat a pinched nerve. However all these remedies are for initial stage, so if the pain increases or retains for long, then consult a doctor immediately.
1. Use a Standing Workstation
Sometimes because of sitting at the same position for long period, nerve may get pinched. This can be permanent if your sitting position and posture is not changed for a while. Mobility and standing workstation will allow you to rest your nerve and avoid it getting pinched for long time. If you cannot have a standing workstation, then make sure you walk a little every hour.
2. Rest
No matter where you have that pinched nerve, proper rest can always be a good way to treat it. Most of the times when pinched nerve occurs due to an activity, then it can move back to its original position if you take rest. Avoid activities that cause pain in the area. Rest until all the symptoms are resolved. You can keep a check on this by moving the part where nerve is pinched and observing if pain returns.
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3. Splint
In case of carpal tunnel, that is when you have pinched nerve in the wrist, then splint can protect your wrist. It can be useful when you have it over your wrist overnight so that you do not curl up your wrist again and make the condition worse.
4. Stretching
Gentle stretching can go a long way in resolving problem related to nerve and improve your condition. Stretching should not be very sudden because then instead of improving, it can cause more pain and permanent damage. Ease you stretch until you feel pain and then relax your body. Remember small movements have a big impact.
5. Apply Heat
You can use heat to relax the muscle because of which pinched nerve has occurred. In most cases it works and pain reduces. The benefit of heating is that it also improves the blood flow and thus gives more chance of healing. Heat pads can be good option to treat a pinched nerve.
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Conclusion
Pinched nerve is very common and numerous factors can influence it. Pinched nerve is caused when too much pressure is exerted on the nerve by the muscles, tissues, bones or surrounding organs. It can also be a result of diseases such as obesity. Majorly pinched nerve happens because of stress, during pregnancy or injury. For this you can go for some remedies which are given above, they can treat as well as help you avoid getting a pinched nerve. If the pain sustains for long time, then consult a doctor as it can permanently damage the nerve.
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