A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, including bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. It can occur anywhere in the body. Symptoms include numbness, sharp or burning pain, tingling, muscle weakness, twitching or a feeling of the affected area being "asleep." See a doctor if a pinched nerve doesn't feel better after several days and doesn't respond to self-care treatments.
Step 1
Rest the affected area. Stop any activities that exacerbate the pain.
Step 2
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Ask your doctor about a prescription medication if pain doesn't go away.
Step 3
See a doctor. She may recommend muscle relaxants, pain-relieving medications, a short course of steroids, short-term bed rest or epidural blocks, which are injections of pain medication, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Step 4
Use a splint or brace to keep the affected area from moving, if your doctor recommends it.
Step 5
See a physical therapist. He can recommend changes to activities that bother the nerve and exercises that will relieve pressure on the nerve.
Step 6
Undergo surgery if pain doesn't improve after several weeks of treatment. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the pinched nerve.
