Home Remedies for a Pinched Nerve

What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve is the outcome of too much pressure on a nerve end due to the surrounding tissues such as bones or muscles. A pinched nerve causes pain, tingling, numbness or weakness and it can happen anywhere in the body. It is possible for a herniated disk in the lower spine to put pressure on a nerve root and thereby cause sciatica pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Numbness of the hand and fingers caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist is known as the carpal tunnel syndrome. A pinched nerve, when serious can cause nerve damage. The body can naturally recover from a pinched nerve by building scar tissue to protect the irritated nerves. Herniated discs that put pressure on nerves can degenerate in time and remove the pressure and ending the pain due to the pinched nerve (Homola, 2002). As long as there is no progressive nerve damage, rest and home remedies for a pinched nerve can help to relieve symptoms and allow time for the body to recover on its own.

Conventional Remedies

The best home remedy for a pinched nerve is bed rest. One must take rest on a hard surface and avoid soft mattresses and pillows. However, in some cases, a pinched nerve may become serious and require surgical treatment. If the pinched nerve is in the shoulder region, it is best to use good ergonomic chairs and desks (Wang, 2005). If the pinched nerve causes sciatica pain, it is best to keep the knee joint higher than the pelvic joint to lessen the pressure on the sciatic nerve. The back and limbs must be kept warm and exercises such as swimming and walking can be done regularly (Wang, 2005). However, one must avoid walking in the rain and exposing oneself to the wind as dampness and cold can aggravate the pain due to a pinched nerve. Wearing a soft back brace can help in recovering from a pinched nerve when the pain due to the pinched nerve is in the lower back.

Local Applications

Local application of alternating heat and cold packs can help a pinched nerve. Another effective remedy is to soak tamarind in salt water, churn, filter and boil it to a paste like consistency and apply to the affected area (Babu, 2000). It is also good to crush five garlic cloves and warm it with 50ml of til oil and apply on the affected area. Regular application of warm castor oil on the sole of affected side is also effective. Application of the Ayurvedic oil called Maha vishagarbha taila externally overnight and then taking a warm bath in the morning can relieve the pain (Babu, 2000). These are all effective home remedies for a pinched nerve (Babu, 2000).

Ancient Remedies

In olden days, a popular home remedy for a pinched nerve was using a mustard poultice. Mustard creates a warm sensation that distracts the pain transmission (Deshpandey, 2008). Chinese folk remedies include applying tofu soaked in vinegar over the affected area and using suction from a vacuum cleaner to relieve the pain (Wang, 2005). If the pain gets worse with cold, it is best to apply warm green onion paste to the painful area for 20 minutes (Wang, 2005). Likewise, a paste of cinnamon powder and honey when applied to the area can offer relief from pain.

References

Babu, S. (2000). A Treatise on Home Remedies. Pustak Mahal Publishers

Deshpandey, R. (2008). Home Remedies. Star Publications

Homola, S. (2002). The Chiropractor’s Self-Help Back and Body Book: Your Complete Guide to Relieving Aches and Pains at Home and on the Job. Hunter House Publications

Wang, L. (2005). Chinese home remedies: harnessing ancient wisdom for self-healing. Career Press

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