7. USE A CASTOR OIL PACK
Castor oil is also beneficial in treating a pinched nerve. Its anti-inflammatory nature can help reduce inflammation and pain, while helping restore normal functioning of the nerves.
The correct way to use castor oil to alleviate stiff or sore muscles and nerve pain is to make a castor oil pack.
- Fold a small piece of wool flannel fabric into quarters.
- Saturate the folded flannel with warm castor oil, gently wringing out any excess oil.
- Place the warm oil pack on the affected area.
- Cover it with a piece of plastic wrap, and then with a thin towel.
- Put a heating pad on top of the towel to keep the oil as hot as possible for about 1 hour.
- Repeat the treatment every few hours, daily until your pain subsides.
8. DO SOME STRETCHING EXERCISES
Gentle stretches can help relieve the pressure on your nerves and improve the symptoms of a pinched nerve. Stretching exercises will ensure good circulation and relax the stiff muscles to aid the healing process.
Stretching exercises are easy to do and can be done while sitting at your desk, watching television or whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
- For a pinched nerve in the neck, slowly rotate your neck in a circular motion, clockwise as well as counterclockwise to stretch out the irritated muscles. You can also move your neck slowly back and forth as well as from side to side.
- For a pinched nerve in an arm, rotate your arms and wrists clockwise and counterclockwise.
You can always consult your doctor about more stretching exercises that can increase circulation and mobility.
9. TURMERIC
Turmeric helps relieve the inflammation associated with pinched nerve. Plus, it has soothing and pain relieving properties that help ease the symptoms.
- Boil 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1½ cup of coconut milk or almond milk. You can also add a little cinnamon powder or a small piece of cinnamon stick. Strain and sweeten with a little honey. Drink this turmeric milk once or twice daily for a few weeks.
- You can also take curcumin capsules. For the correct dosage, consult your doctor.
10. GET ACUPRESSURE OR ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS
Alternative therapies like acupressure and acupuncture can also help in the natural treatment of a pinched nerve. They help restore normal nerve functioning and provide pain relief.
Stimulating specific acupressure points on your body triggers the release of chemicals that either change the perception of pain or produce a sense of well-being.
Always have acupressure or acupuncture therapy done by a skilled and experienced practitioner.
Additional Tips
- Eat more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers.
- Quit smoking, as it can lead to blockage and narrowing of the blood vessels, which inhibits circulation.
- Take regular breaks from work that involves strenuous or repetitive hand movements.
- Opt for a standing workstation, as intermittent mobility is crucial to preventing and treating a pinched nerve.
- Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a pinched nerve.
- Wear a splint when you sleep if you have a pinched nerve in your wrist.
- Add 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses to coffee, tea or oatmeal a few times a day to feel better.
- Add 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little organic honey to a glass of warm water and drink it twice daily.
- Do not walk in the rain and expose yourself to cold air, as dampness and cold temperatures can aggravate the pain.