A pinched nerve is usually noticeable through stabbing or burning pain. In addition, symptoms such as numbness and tingling may also occur. The complaints occur particularly frequently in the area of the neck, the back or the neck. But other parts of the body such as the shoulders, arms or hips can also be affected. Often, a harmless muscle hardening is the cause of the pinched nerve. We reveal what you can do against the discomfort.
Pinched nerve: typical symptoms.
If you suffer from a pinched nerve, you have a restriction in the functioning of the affected nerves. The symptoms that occur as part of the functional limitation depend, among other things, on which nerve is affected:
- In most cases, a shooting, stabbing or burning pain is a typical symptom of a pinched nerve.
- In addition to pain, symptoms such as tingling, numbness and sensory disturbances may also occur.
- Likewise, it may be that the affected body part is restricted in its movement.
If a nerve is pinched, the symptoms do not only occur in the affected area. Rather, they are often also noticeable in the supply area of the nerve. For example, when the sciatic nerve is impaired, not only low back pain but also pain at the hip or in the legs may occur.
Muscle stiffness as a cause
A pinched nerve can have several causes. It is often caused by irritation or inflammation of the nerve. Likewise, irritation of the surrounding muscles can be the trigger. Muscle stiffness is often the cause of the discomfort: If the tissue tightens, it becomes hard and thus exerts pressure on the nerve pathways. Possible triggers for muscle stiffness include:
- Common causes are long-term poor posture and one-sided loads.
- In addition, dysfunction and wear and tear of the spine can lead to tension in the muscles.
- Similarly, incorrect lifting and an awkward movement – for example, during sports – can cause cramping of the muscles.
Exclude serious causes
Muscle stiffness is not always the cause of a pinched nerve. The function of the nerve can also be limited by injuries such as bone fractures or whiplash. If stabbing pain occurs in the back, a herniated disc should also be considered. This is especially true if there is also numbness in the arms or legs. In the case of a slipped disc, the discomfort is caused by a slipped disc pressing on the nerves that run through the spinal canal. In addition to an intervertebral disc, tumors – both benign and malignant – can also press on the nerve pathways, causing discomfort. In case of prolonged discomfort, you should therefore always consult a doctor to have a serious cause ruled out.
Pinched nerve in the shoulder, neck and throat
The neck, throat, shoulders and back are particularly commonly affected by a pinched nerve. If the nerve is in the neck, back pain and/or headaches often occur. For a pinched nerve in the shoulder, on the other hand, complaints in the arms and hands are typical. In addition to muscle tension, a dislocated shoulder joint is a possible cause. A pinched nerve in the back is also often due to muscle stiffness. However, other causes – usually problems with the spine – can also be behind the complaints. In addition to a herniated disc, diseases such as spondylitis, spondylosis as well as spondylolisthesis are also possible.
Treating a pinched nerve
Treatment of a pinched nerve always depends on the underlying causes. If muscle stiffness is behind the discomfort, pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing agents are usually used. These can either be taken orally or injected directly into the vicinity of the pinched nerve. It is also advisable to treat the affected area with heat. This improves the blood supply to the muscles and relieves the tension. In addition to a hot water bottle and heating and cherry pit cushions, heat plasters are particularly suitable.Since they are not noticeable under clothing, they can also be used during the day. Finally, massages can also help to loosen the hardened muscles again. Special strengthening and stretching exercises can then help to prevent the reoccurrence of hardened muscles. It is best to have your physiotherapist show you a few suitable exercises.
Avoid relieving posture
It is important not to adopt a gentle posture despite the pinched nerve, but to move as normally as possible. This is because if a relieving posture is adopted over a longer period of time, it can happen that the muscles tighten even more. To prevent this vicious circle, you should take painkilling and muscle-relaxing medication in good time.
Alternative therapy
In addition to classical treatment methods, there are also some alternative medicine concepts for the treatment of pinched nerves. These include, in addition to acupuncture, primarily osteopathy and chiropractic. If muscle tension is the cause of the pain, homeopathic remedies such as Arnica or Bryonia can be used to relax the muscles.
Immediate measures for a pinched nerve
If you notice that you have pinched a nerve, it is important to react properly right away. By doing so, you may be able to significantly lessen the discomfort:
- Remain for a few minutes in the position in which the pain occurred.
- Slowly take a deep breath in and out.
- Do not move the painful area with force at all.
