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One of the common causes of a pinched nerve in the neck is a muscle spasm or muscle strain putting pressure on the nerve and compressing it. Relaxing the muscle will usually relieve the symptoms you are feeling. Listed below are some self-treatments for a pinched nerve in the neck that you can attempt.
The treatment of a pinched nerve depends upon the location and the cause. Resting the affected area is often very effective, especially in cases of injury caused by repetitive activities. Physical therapy is frequently beneficial when a pinched nerve is caused by problems in the neck or low back. Exercises may strengthen the back or core muscles and decrease or eliminate pressure on a nerve root. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen may be helpful. Injections of corticosteroids (an anti-inflammatory medication) may also be beneficial for many types of pinched nerves. For cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, splinting or bracing the wrist is often used.