A pinched or compressed nerve occurs when there is pressure or compression on a nerve, or the nerve pathways are obstructed, leading to a range of signs and symptoms. Typical pinched nerve symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness. This can affect any part of the back, as well as the neck, shoulders, arms, hips and legs.
What Makes a Pinched Nerve Worse
If you are experiencing nerve compression, it is important to be aware of the factors that can make it worse. Some examples of factors that can make the symptoms of a pinched nerve worse include:
- Poor Posture: Poor posture can put additional pressure on the nerves and exacerbate a pinched nerve. This is especially true for those who spend long hours sitting or standing in the same position. It is important to maintain proper posture to alleviate and prevent the pressure on the nerves.
- Repetitive Motion: Repetitive motion can also worsen a pinched nerve. This includes activities such as typing, playing musical instruments, or performing manual labour. If you suffer from a pinched nerve, it is important to take breaks from these activities and engage in stretching exercises.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put additional pressure on the nerves and worsen pinched nerves. Losing weight can help alleviate the pressure and reduce painful nerve symptoms.
- Injury: An injury to the affected area can worsen a pinched nerve. This includes accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience an injury that worsens your pinched nerve pain.
- Sleeping Position: Sleeping in an uncomfortable position can put additional pressure on the nerves and worsen a pinched nerve. It is also important to sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow and avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can exacerbate symptoms.
- Stress: Stress can worsen a pinched nerve by causing the muscles to tense up and exacerbate pain. It is important to manage stress through various relaxation techniques.
Treatment Options
If you are experiencing a pinched nerve, it is important to identify the factors that worsen your symptoms and take steps to alleviate the pressure on the nerves.
This may include making lifestyle changes, seeking medical attention, engaging in physical therapy, working with a chiropractor, or using various home remedies, depending on how long and how intense the pain has been. With the proper care and management, you can alleviate your symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
Additionally, you can improve your spine health by engaging in a series of exercises that stretch out your spine, as oftentimes a pinched nerve occurs because of compression, meaning that your spine is pressed down. This applies pressure on the nerve roots branching out from the spine, leading to long-term symptoms.
Such exercises work best when using the Backrack device, which is an othropaedic tool that has been designed to restore the space between your vertebrae, allowing your spine to relax, relieving the pressure that was placed on the spinal nerve roots.
Relieve Pinched Nerve Pain from Home
Author: Spinal Backrack
