what exactly is a pinched nerve?
Question:
Answers:
A pinched nerve is when a nerve is squeezed between a muscle and bone. Nerve entrapment is when a nerve is squeezed between two muscles. It hurts. The muscles are generally tight in either case.
First of all, if it's really bad---go see a doctor, or go to an emergency room.
If it's not too bad (only you are the judge of this), then remember RICE
Rest
Ice
Compress
Elevate
Some doctors would recommend an anti-inflammatory agent like ibuprofen. But don't take any medication based upon what you read on a website. If you feel a need for a pill. See a doctor.
I can recommend using a bag of frozen peas. It's inexpensive, resuable, and form fitting. Use the frozen peas by wrapping them in one layer of t-shirt and placing on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove for 30 minutes. Then repeat the cold application up to three times.
DO NOT USE HEAT. Heat makes the inflammation worse. This makes the pain worse.
I'm an RN RMT. Take this for what it's worth. Once again. If it hurts really bad, go to the hospital.
Other Answers:
A nerve that is being compressed by a vertebrae or joint. It is painful, the pressure has to be relieved for it to go away. If it's in the neck, a cervical collar would help.
A “pinched nerve” is a nerve that has pressure on it, usually due to an injury. The effects can be from a minor pain to full paralysis, like it did with Christopher Reeves. Sometimes it can be temporary, when a blood clot provides the pressure. Sometimes the pressure can be relieved by surgery, often it cannot, and the effects are permanent. a pinched nerve is extreme pain because of a nerve being pinched in a joint, or possibly being twisted in some way. he only way of fixing it is to see a chiropractor and to get an adjustment. i hope that helps you
HomeyD said it best. Listen to him! You couldn't get better advice.
RN student
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