How To Treat A Pinched Nerve

Surgical Repair

If the pinched nerve is severe enough, it may require surgery for long-term relief. Physical therapy, splints, and medication work for many patients, but surgery is often the best solution in particularly stubborn cases. Individuals with a pinched nerve that is not responding to other treatments should talk to a doctor about a possible surgical repair. Surgeries to repair pinched nerves are typically minimally-invasive. They require relatively short recovery periods and result in less pain than traditional procedures. The surgical procedure doctors will use depends on where the pinched nerve is. Common surgeries for pinched nerves include foraminotomies, laminectomies, microdiscectomies, anterior cervical discectomies, and spinal fusions.

Use Medication For Inflammation And Pain

There are dozens of medications on the market to relieve inflammation and pain, available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Over-the-counter pain relievers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or oral corticosteroids help with the swelling and discomfort of pinched nerves. If the patient's pain is severe enough, their doctor may prescribe narcotic pain relievers or steroid injections. Steroid injections are a popular treatment for long-term relief, as they give the inflamed nerves extra time to recover (unlike narcotics or over-the-counter pain relievers). It is important to choose the right medication for inflammation and pain, and unsure individuals should speak with their doctor for the appropriate advice.