5 Ways to deal with annoying pinched nerves in the neck

A pinched nerve occurs when the nerves in the body are put under excessive pressure. As a result, the nerves send warning signals to the brain and you will feel pain, a tingling sensation, and weakness. This nerve damage can occur around the spine, namely the neck area and this can cause cervical radiculopathy . So, how to deal with the pinched nerve in the neck? Check out the following reviews.

How to deal with a pinched nerve in the neck

Cervical radioculopathy occurs when the nerves in the neck that connect to the spinal cord are damaged. This condition causes pain radiating to the shoulder, accompanied by muscle weakness that spreads to the arm and finger area.

Generally, this condition occurs in the elderly due to aging of the nerves in the body. However, it can also affect adults or younger due to sudden injury.

Some people who experience this condition recover from time to time. It takes weeks to recover even longer.

However, the risk of relapse remains in later life, especially in old age. That is why it is better for patients to consult a doctor to find a way to treat the pinched nerve in the neck right. Some of the ways include:

1. Drink or inject pain relievers

According to American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Symptoms of the pinched nerve in the neck can be relieved with painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. It could also be corticosteroid drugs to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nerves. However, you can only use this drug in the short term.

In addition to oral medications, you may be asked to undergo a procedure to inject steroids into the lamina, foramen, or facet joints around the spine.

2. Alternating cold or warm water compresses

In addition to taking medication, you can treat symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck by applying the compress alternately. Use ice cubes or warm water to reduce swelling and inflammation.

The combination of hot and cold temperatures, in fact, can increase blood circulation to problem areas so that it can reduce pain. Apply warm water or ice to the sore neck area for 15 minutes. Do this 3 times or adjust according to your needs.

3. Get enough rest

The next way to deal with the pinched nerve in the neck is rest. Try to rest when you feel tired. Do not insist on continuing your activities because it can trigger the symptoms of the pinched nerve to recur.

Make sure you get enough sleep because during sleep, the nerves in your body repair. While sleeping, find a comfortable position. That way, you can sleep better.

4. Exercise and stretch

During treatment, you also still need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, one of which is doing sports. There are several types of exercise that are safe and can help with symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

These exercises can maintain body fitness and control body weight. With an ideal body weight, the pressure on the nerves can be reduced. That means, the risk of recurrence of symptoms will decrease.

In addition, there are several stretching movements that are safe and can maintain the flexibility of your body, such as:

Trap stretch

Exercise can help relax muscles as well as relieve stressed nerves. You can practice this stretch by following these steps.

• Sit on a chair in an upright position.
• Place your right hand under your thigh.
• Then, raise your left hand and place it over your head touching your right ear.
• Pull your head to your left side and hold it for 30 seconds. Do this movement 3 times on each side.

Neck bend

This stretching exercise can help you deal with the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck by reducing pressure on the nerve. To practice it, follow the steps below.

• Sit up straight. Then move your chin down and down toward your chest.
• Return to starting position and repeat 5 to 10 times.

5. Surgery

If pain medication and adopting a healthy lifestyle do not provide maximum results for treating the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck, surgical procedures are an option. Surgery is performed to block certain organs or tissues from putting pressure on the nerves.

Before this procedure is performed, you will need to do a series of tests to find out which nerve location and area is problematic.