Although “neck pain” is commonly used to describe a pinched nerve, it is a widespread condition affecting around 85% of Americans. This condition, which is also referred to as nerve compression, occurs when a nerve gets pinched. Some of the most common types of pinched nerve pain include those that affect the legs and arms, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.
Before beginning the massage, make sure that you inform the therapist that you are experiencing severe pain in the pinched nerve. The therapist will then try to apply light pressure to the area in order to help the nerve heal. It is also essential to advise the practitioner if you are currently taking part in acupuncture.
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About Pinched Nerve
The pinched nerve can be caused by the pressure on the tissues surrounding it. These include the muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and cartilage. When the pressure is too great, one may experience a sensation of weakness, numbness, or pain.
A pinched nerve can affect different parts of your body. It can be felt in your shoulder or neck or your leg or wrist. If a nerve is pinched in your wrist, it could affect your fingers or hand.
Although surgery is usually not necessary to treat a pinched nerve, it is important to identify the condition as early as possible. Doing so will allow you to get the best possible treatment. In other cases, you may have to see a doctor to get the condition checked out.
Does Massage Help a Pinched Nerve?
Various conditions can be treated through massage therapy, and it can help alleviate pain and improve circulation. This modality is helpful for people with chronic or other conditions.
A pinched nerve is one of the most common conditions that people experience. It can be treated through non-invasive techniques such as massage therapy. This article will give you all the necessary information about this condition and how it can be fixed.
Although there is no simple answer to whether massage therapy can help treat pinched nerves, it is a good idea to learn about the two most common causes of this condition.
Read also: Can Head Massage Help Depression?
A Nerve Pain Caused by a Spinal Compression
If you are suffering from a pinched nerve, you might be wondering if massage therapy can help. However, before you start a massage therapy session, ensure that it is not on the affected area of the disc or bone. Instead, the therapist will mainly work on the body’s soft tissues.
Although massage therapy is not able to fix a herniated disc, it can provide some relief. It can help the affected muscles relax and reduce the pressure on the nerve. This treatment is a valuable part of your recovery plan.
Before you start a massage or other treatment for pinched nerve pain, you should consult your doctor first. They will have to approve the procedure, and you should also explain your condition to the therapist so that they can tailor the massage to your body’s needs.
A Nerve Pain Caused by Soft Tissues
Although pinched nerves are often associated with spinal problems, they can also be caused by various factors. For instance, people with pinched nerve pain may have tight muscles or tendons.
A repetitive wrist injury can put pressure on the median nerve, which can lead to carpal tunnel. A cycling or skiing session can tighten the hip and back muscles, causing leg pain.
Sometimes, a massage therapy session can provide effective and safe relief. Its main goal is to help the muscles relax and tone, which can lessen the pressure on the nerve.
Although a massage can provide some relief from an inevitable pain, it is not always possible to get total relief from one session. Instead, regular treatments can help your body heal itself.
What Usually Causes a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is a type of nerve that gets pinched against the tissues surrounding it. Some of the risk factors include:
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- herniated disc
- Sex
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Prolonged bed rest
- Thyroid disease
- Overuse (hobbies and jobs involving repeated use of wrist, hand, or shoulder)
Although pinched nerves can affect different body parts, they usually occur in the spine, neck, wrist, and elbows. The symptoms of this condition include muscle weakness, numbness, and swelling.
If you need to stretch properly before exercising or doing strenuous tasks, you must get a massage to relieve the tension.
Most Common Causes of a Pinched Nerve
If you are experiencing these sensations, then you might have a pinched nerve.
- A feeling of numbness or a loss of sensation is a type of discomfort that you may be experiencing in a certain area.
- Your limbs are often falling asleep, which feels like needles or pins are all over your body.
- A feeling of burning, stinging, or aching that you can feel is growing or spreading outwards.
Some of the causes of these injuries include stress around a nerve, which can result in the feeling of tension within the body, as well as obesity and mental stress. Physical activities can also exert excessive pressure on the body’s tendons and muscles.
These are some symptoms people experience when they have pinched nerves. They can also get worse when they are sleeping. Usually, these sensations will subside in a couple of days, but a doctor should check them out if they still persist.
How To Prevent Pinched Nerves
There are many causes of pinched nerves that can be prevented with proper treatment. For instance, arthritis can trigger a pinched nerve.
Although pinched nerves usually do not last very long, treatment is necessary if the pain persists for a long time. If the nerve gets too long, it can cause irreversible nerve damage or chronic pain, which treatment can prevent.
Other preventative measures include:
- Maintaining good posture
- Doing flexibility and strength exercises into your daily routine
- Limiting repeated activities or hobbies
- Maintain healthy weight
So, Can Massage therapy Help Treat a Pinched Nerve?
Although massage therapy can help treat pinched nerves, it is important to note that it does not always work for everyone. In some cases, there may be better options.
You should work with a doctor that can provide you with the best possible advice based on your medical history. Ask them if they would recommend massage therapy, and if they recommend it, then you should do so.
If your doctor advises you to avoid massage therapy, don’t do it. It’s important to remember that a medical professional can help you determine the best treatment option for your condition.
While massage therapy can help treat pinched nerves, it is important to avoid excessive pressure being applied to the tissues, muscles, and tendons. For instance, a deep-tissue massage is not ideal for treating pinched nerve pain. Instead, choose soft and gentle forms of massage.
Bottom Line
Depending on the type of treatment that you wish to pursue, your doctor may prescribe various types of therapies, such as surgery, chiropractic care, or even cortisone injections. It is important to note that each procedure will have a different impact on your body.
But if you are looking for a natural and effective way to manage your pinched nerve pain, a massage might be the best choice. On the other hand, deep tissue massage can be more beneficial for some.