Trapped Nerve Treatment Overview

A pinched nerve (compressed nerve) occurs when surrounding tissues—like bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons—apply too much pressure to a nerve. This common condition can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the affected area, and it may happen anywhere in the body, especially in the neck, back, arms, or wrists.

What Are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?

• Sharp, burning, or aching pain that may radiate outward from the affected area

• Numbness or “pins and needles” sensation

• Tingling, decreased sensation, or a limb feeling “asleep”

• Muscle weakness

• Symptoms often worsen with specific movements or sustained pressure and may be temporary or chronic.

Diagnosis: How Is a Pinched Nerve Identified?

A thorough evaluation includes your medical history, symptom description, and a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may order:

• Blood tests: To rule out metabolic causes (like diabetes or thyroid issues)

• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate bone structure, soft tissue, and nerve root compression

• Nerve conduction study: Measures how effectively nerves transmit electrical signals to muscles

• Electromyography (EMG): Assesses electrical activity in muscles at rest and during contraction

• High-resolution ultrasound: Useful for nerve compression diagnosis (e.g., carpal tunnel).

Conservative Treatments for a Pinched Nerve

Most people recover with non-surgical options, including:

1. Rest & Activity Modification

• Cease or reduce activities that aggravate symptoms.

• Use a splint, brace, or collar to immobilize the affected area (especially for carpal tunnel syndrome).

• Avoid prolonged positions (such as repetitive bending, sitting, or typing).

2. Physical Therapy

• Strengthening and stretching exercises relieve pressure on the nerve and surrounding muscles.

• Therapists may recommend ergonomic adjustments and manual therapy, including stretching, massage, joint mobilization, and electrotherapy (e.g., TENS, ultrasound).

• Consistency with prescribed exercises is vital for ongoing relief and injury prevention.

3. Medications

• NSAIDs: Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen) reduce inflammation and discomfort.

• Corticosteroids: Oral or injected to minimize pain and swelling, used short-term for severe symptoms.

• Medicines for nerve pain: Gabapentin, pregabalin, and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline) when nerve pain is prominent.

• Muscle relaxants or opioids: Occasionally prescribed for severe symptoms (short-term only).

4. Self-Care & Home Remedies

• Rest, ergonomic workstation, posture changes, ice/heat application, proper sleep, and gentle stretching can accelerate healing.

• Most pinched nerve cases resolve within days to a few weeks; however, chronic or severe cases require prompt medical attention.

Surgical Intervention

Surgery is considered if symptoms persist for several weeks or months despite conservative treatments—or if there is significant nerve compression causing muscle wasting or persistent loss of function. Procedures vary by location (disk removal, bone spur excision, ligament release in carpal tunnel), all aimed at relieving nerve pressure.

Prognosis

Most people recover fully with conservative management, but timely diagnosis and adherence to treatment recommendations are essential to prevent chronic pain or permanent nerve damage. In rare cases, delayed treatment may lead to persistent weakness, numbness, or muscle atrophy.