A pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, happens when too much pressure from surrounding areas interrupts nerve function. Pressure may come from muscles, cartilage, tendons or bones, reports MayoClinic.com. The website adds a herniated disc may cause a pinched nerve in the lower back, causing pain to radiate down the thigh or leg. Conservative methods can treat most pinched nerves at home, and more invasive procedures are rarely required.
Excercise and Rest
Initially, resting the back is required to allow the back and pinched nerve to heal. The University of Connecticut Health Center suggests patients rest for one to two days before participating in physical exercise. The health center suggests resting on the floor with knees and hips slightly bent and feet slightly elevated. A pillow placed underneath the knees takes pressure away from the back. After two days, a person can slowly increase his daily exercise level. Short walks every hour encourage muscle movement. Resting more than two days may actually cause increased body weakness and stiffness, reports the health center.
Ice and Heat
Ice therapy to decrease inflammation and pain to the lower back area is recommended as the initial treatment. Ice or gel packs--or a simple pack of frozen vegetables--applied to the area for 20 minutes is recommended every four to six hours. The ice should not be left in place longer because of the risk of developing frostbite. A barrier, such as a towel or cloth, should be placed between the ice pack and the injured skin. After two to three days of ice therapy, patients can begin heat therapy. A heating pad, hot pillow or water bottle is beneficial to the back's pinched nerve, as the heat increases circulation and blood flow to the injury, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen.
Medications
Over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation. The University of Connecticut Health Center recommends regular doses of pain medications for the first few days after the pinched nerve occurs to break the pain cycle and provide a stable level of the drug to the body. Medications should be taken only after eating food or drinking milk to avoid gastric complications such as internal bleeding or stomach ulcers. Severe pain may require a stronger, prescription-strength oral medication. Corticosteroid injections into the lower back may also minimize severe pain and inflammation.
