Pinched nerves are manifested by a sudden pain in the lateral chest region. The affected nerves emerge from the spinal canal between each vertebra and pass just below the ribs, along with one artery and one vein each. Often, however, the sensation of “pinched nerves” is not actually a pinch, but merely nerve irritation occurring in the course of the nerve.
What helps with pinched nerves?
Regular stretching and exercise work prophylactically against pinched nerves. Against pinched nerves there are preventive, that is, preventive measures, and on the other hand, it takes a few tricks to make the pain, once occurred, quickly disappear. As a preventive measure, regular movement of the spine in all directions of movement (i.e. forward/backward, sideways and rotations around the axis) can prevent pinched nerves. In addition, even if you have back pain, you should continue to move your spine, because otherwise the muscles will permanently tense up and, as a result, may also permanently pinch the nerves that run through them. If the first signs of tension appear, massages and treatment with heat can help. For this purpose, over-the-counter ointments (Novalgin or, much stronger, Finalgon) are available in pharmacies. Once the nerve is pinched, careful stretching of the corresponding side helps to free the nerve again. In doing so, one should try to “breathe into the pain.” Stretching and breathing into the nerve will initially increase the pain, but this is the only way to release the nerve impingement. Preventive measures also include sports that strengthen the muscles without putting too much strain on the spine. Swimming or Kieser back training are simple ways to strengthen the trunk muscles so that nerve irritation or entrapment occurs less frequently. It is also important to always stretch the muscles after exercise. So-called myogellosis (muscle adhesions) can be avoided in this way – these can also lead to nerve irritation. In addition, a regularly exercised and stretched muscle is more mobile and the risk of nerve irritation and entrapment decreases.
Quick help
Quick help for pinched nerves is immediate stretching of the corresponding area of the body. This will initially cause significantly more pain, but it will immediately relieve the pinching of the nerve. It can also be helpful to apply pressure to the affected area from the outside, for example with the flat of the hand or the edge of the hand. The most important thing in the case of an acutely pinched nerve is to act quickly and work against the pain. It must be accepted that the pain may initially become stronger at the beginning of the treatment. Under no circumstances should a posture of immobility be adopted when a nerve is pinched – this intensifies the pain and the body develops a “pain memory“.
Alternative remedies
Alternative remedies for pinched nerves are painkilling drops (Bach flowers) or homeopathic medicines. In addition, for muscle tension and pinched nerves help available in pharmacies cherry pit cushions, which are heated in the microwave and then applied, and hot water bottles. Alternatives to warming ointments such as Finalgon or Novalgin are also available as homeopathic variants. If a patient frequently suffers from pinched nerves, it is important to strengthen the back muscles. The classic is Kieser Training, but any other gym or even the patient’s own home is also suitable for strengthening the back muscles if proper instructions are given. When strengthening the back muscles, the abdominal muscles must be trained to the same extent in order to prevent the development of a hollow back. In addition, the abdominal muscles also support an upright posture and thus relieve the spine.
