1. Medicate It
A pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder can be very painful and can be treated with one of two types of medications: analgesic, like aspirin, or anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen. Each works in a different way. An analgesic reduces the actual sensation of neck or shoulder pain. The most common form of analgesic is oral, however, topical and adhesive varieties are also available. While they control the pain symptoms, they do not cure the problem, which is often caused by swelling. An anti-inflammatory will do the trick for this, but some pain may linger. A combination of an oral anti-inflammatory with a topical analgesic is useful in the treatment of pinched nerves in the neck and shoulder.
2. Ice It
Ice is not only an anti-inflammatory; it is also a pain reliever. Most people reach for heat to ease their neck and shoulder pain, however this can cause further swelling around the pinched nerve and subsequently more pain. Instead, try applying an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area. Most people find ice uncomfortable when it is applied directly to the skin, so wrap your ice pack or bag of peas in a dishtowel before placing it on your neck or shoulder. Keep the ice pack or peas on for as long as you can tolerate.
3. See a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists have a number of treatment modalities in their clinics that can help relieve pain and swelling resulting from pinched nerves. Ice combined with gentle passive stretching can help relax the neck and shoulders. Another treatment commonly used for a pinched nerve in the neck is traction, which temporarily decreases the pressure between vertebrae. A PT may perform this manually, or they may place you in a traction machine which calculates specific and constant pressure. Finally, a PT can instruct you in a home-exercise program or teach you alternate ways to complete routine tasks without increase neck and shoulder pressure or pain.
4. Have an Injection
Some people may benefit from a localized steroid injection to reduce swelling around the pinched nerve. A physician can perform this treatment on an outpatient basis, but usually more conservative options are explored first. These include pain relievers, stretching and physical therapy. Sometimes injections are given in a series, though many people have great results after only one treatment.
5. See a Surgeon
If conservative treatments and injections fail to relieve your pinched nerve pain, your doctor may consult a neurosurgeon. Depending on the severity of your condition, surgery may be as minor as a bone spur removal or as major as an entire disc replacement. In either case, surgery is always a last resort and is rarely necessary.
