When your spine is in a neutral position, the joints in your neck are able to easily hold up the weight of your head, as they were designed. For every inch we lean our head forward, we are adding 10 pounds of pressure on the joints in our neck. Over time, this stress can cause one or more of the nerves in our necks to become compressed or pinched, causing pain.
By making a conscious effort to maintain proper posture, we can prevent and sometimes even correct the cause of a pinched nerve in the neck.
What to do When You Have a Pinched Nerve
Rest, Rest, Rest!
It may seem simple, but resting is a very effective way to treat a pinched nerve in your neck. But, we all know that resting is easier said than done.
One way to remind yourself to limit your neck motion is by wearing a splint or soft collar. Over time, your neck muscles and joints can begin to heal, reducing swelling and may even be able to return to a more normal range of motion.
Get More Sleep
Getting extra hours of sleep is a natural way for your body to heal itself. Make a habit, while you’re healing to sleep a few extra hours each night. A couple hours of extra rest for your body and the injured area should help decrease your neck pain symptoms significantly.
The more you sleep, the less you’re moving. This extra time will give your body more time to heal itself as you sleep. Also consider changing your sleep position if you usually sleep on your stomach. Stomach sleepers are more-likely to experience neck problems than side and back sleepers.
Exercise
You can rest the pinched nerve in your neck and still keep your blood pumping. Good circulation and toned muscles can help to heal your pinched nerve. Start with a low-impact exercise that feels comfortable. Swimming and walking can help to move your muscles naturally while placing a minimal amount of stress on your joints.
Inactivity can lead to a loss of muscle strength and cause your body to take more time to heal.
Remember to maintain good posture when you’re exercising.
Apply Ice
Ice reduces swelling! When your joints are inflamed and your nerves are irritated, your body sends blood to the affected area to help you to heal. Swelling is part of your body’s natural response to injury. However, too much swelling can make it difficult to move or turn your head.
By applying ice a few times each day (20min on, 20min off), you can control the swelling while still allowing your body to heal.
Know When it’s Time to See Your Chiropractor
If your neck pain subsides but then comes back over the course of a few weeks, consult with your local chiropractor for help. Even if the some of these treatment methods that alleviated your symptoms were originally helpful, if they no longer provide relief, you need to have your neck examined.
You should also see a chiropractor if you feel constant numbness or neck pain, even after you’ve rested or if your neck begins to feel weaker.
Seek immediate treatment if your neck pain symptoms are severe or your skin feels cold or appears very pale or blue.
Just remember, if the “pinched” nerve is caused by a muscle spasm, then physical therapy and massage may address the problem, along with light chiropractic treatments. But if the muscle spasm was caused by a joint that is out of place, chiropractic adjustments will be recommended. If a disc injury or something more serious is involved, more aggressive treatment may be needed to address your pain and the cause of your symptoms.