A trapped nerve in the cervical spine is a painful condition in which one or more nerve fibers are restricted in their ability to function along the nerve tracts. This is caused by an inflammatory process. From a medical point of view, a nerve is not pinched – it is rather an umbrella term for various problems. Even if a trapped nerve is painful, the disease is often harmless.
Treatment/Therapy
If the pain does not subside significantly after a few days or if other symptoms such as loss of strength, paralysis or sensation occur, a doctor should always be consulted. The doctor will determine the treatment. First and foremost, painful movements should be avoided – otherwise the pinched nerve is irritated further.
However, this relieving posture should not lead to habit. Otherwise, other muscles will tense up, namely those muscles that are more severely strained by the relieving posture. The aim of the treatment is to reduce pain and restore mobility and well-being.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs help to achieve this, so that the person affected can move as normally as possible. Fast, jerky movements and heavy loads are taboo – as is bed rest. Relaxation exercises and physiotherapy help to restore functional ability.
In addition, electrotherapy, heat treatments (heat plaster, ointment, lamp, cherry stone pillow) and massages can be added. Acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic are equally promising. This article may also be of interest to you in this respect: Neck pain – help from physiotherapy and physiotherapy for a stiff neck/neckTo relieve the discomfort, muscles must be trained to relieve the pinched nerve and train an erection of the cervical spine.
Exercise 1: The patient sits upright on a chair. The shoulder blades are pressed down. The chin is placed on the chest and the position held for about 5 seconds.
Then the cervical spine is slowly straightened and the head is placed in the neck. Also hold this position for about 5 seconds. Perform 10 changes.
Exercise 2: The patient stands against a wall and leans his back and head against it. The knees are slightly bent. The arms are rotated outwards and are located at the sides of his body against the wall.
The palms of the hands point forward. Now the patient pushes his shoulder blades backwards and downwards and simultaneously pushes the sternum forward and upwards. The head is moved backwards, resulting in a double chin.
This position is held for about 20 seconds with 2 passes. Pay attention to even breathing! Exercise 3: The affected person lies in a supine position.
The feet are up and the arms are lying next to the head in a U-position. Now make a double chin and lift the head slightly from the pad into the air. Hold position for about 10 seconds – do not hold your breath.
Do 3 repetitions. Alternative: the head is not lifted into the air, but pressed backwards into a cushion. More exercises can be found in the articles: Exercises Cervical Spine Syndrome and Cervical Spine Mobilization Exercises
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