Pain is one way the body tells you that something's wrong, like in the case of a pinched nerve. If you ever tried waking up in the morning and felt a sharp or dull pain on your neck, shoulder, back, arm, elbow, wrist, or hand, it's most likely due to compressed or irritated nerves. It’s a fairly common problem. No wonder many patients come in and specifically look for a pinched nerve chiropractor. 

Some may argue that they could live through the pain and wait for it to go away on its own. However, in reality, if you don’t get to the bottom of the issue, the pain will continue to persist. It could even worsen and potentially cause other problems like sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome. With this in mind, we decided to help you explore effective methods you can try to manage pain and a natural option for you to address the root cause of many pinched nerves.

6 Effective Pain Relief Methods

1. Minding your posture

One of the most underrated and simplest ways to find relief from a pinched nerve is observing proper posture. This is because compression or irritation of the nerves by nearby tissues, muscles, and ligaments can cause pain. By minding your posture, both when standing or sitting, you can ease the pressure on the affected areas, such as your back, arms, and elbows. The more you try to lean in or hunch your shoulders, the more pain you will most likely experience. 

2. Alternate from sitting and standing when working

Many people have to work from home in today’s world. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to ergonomic work furniture that provides ample support to the back while sitting down. For those who already suffer from a pinched nerve, this situation potentially adds more stress to the affected area. To adjust, you can switch to a standing workstation. Harvard Health explains that standing desks make an excellent option for your new home office setup because they can reduce the risk of developing back and shoulder pain. 

If you’re not keen on switching to a standing desk, you can try to alternate between sitting and standing while you work. But again, take note of proper posture to enjoy maximum benefits. 

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and pinched nerves, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

3. Apply a hot or cold compress

In a typical clinic of a pinched nerve chiropractor, you’ll notice how professionals use varying approaches for each patient. That’s because no two cases are similar. Some have it worse than others. Also, spine misalignment differs from one person to another. That’s why we must adjust accordingly. 

You can apply the same principle when choosing between a hot or cold compress to find relief. Some would say that they like using hot compresses, while others insist that cold compresses work miracles for them. When deciding between the two, try to check which option provides you with more relief. Apply your choice on the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes per interval. 

4. Say yes to a bit of stretching

Understandably, a pinched nerve could result in difficulty in moving some of your body parts. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from doing a bit of stretching exercises. Be sure not to over-exert yourself.  You can focus on small and simple movements to ease muscle tension and to slowly release pressure. 

5. Get enough rest during the night

Studies reveal that getting enough sleep at night can improve your ability to cope with pain. This is because when you're tired and sleep-deprived, your body becomes more sensitive to pain stimuli. It can also affect your overall mood, which could worsen or improve how you perceive pain. Aim to sleep at least 7 hours a day, and try finding a sleeping position that would least impact the affected regions.  

6. Seek help from a pinched nerve chiropractor.

The last natural and effective method to achieve pain relief on this list is seeing a pinched nerve chiropractor. While taking pain relievers may help you temporarily ease the pain caused by a compressed nerve, it's better to address one of the possible causes of the problem - spine misalignment. The entire spine is highly susceptible to injuries. If forcefully moved or over-extended, the bones can suffer from damages. It could also affect the level and position of one of your shoulder or hip bones. When this happens, you end up with an unequal amount of strain and stress on one side of your body. Consequently, this can result in the compression or irritation of your nerves.

With the help of a specific chiropractor, you can correct the problem, whether the problem originates in your low back, neck, or elsewhere in the spine. Using specific adjustments can ease your misaligned spine to return to its original position gradually. As your body starts healing on its own, you also relieve the stress and strain on the affected nerves, ultimately freeing you from pain. It’s a step by step process that could potentially help you enjoy a more comfortable life. The best part is that it’s all-natural, so you wouldn’t need to worry about taking in substances that may have serious side effects. 
Want to experience life-changing pain relief from a pinched nerve? Visit our office or call to book a consultation! Our pinched nerve chiropractor uses specific adjustments to fix a bone misalignment. We can help you live a fuller and happier life.

To schedule a special consultation in our Oakland office call (510) 594-9994, or just click the button below.