Can a Pinched Back Nerve Go Away on its Own?

Back pain is one of the most common ailments among people of virtually all ages, and there are hundreds — if not thousands — of potential types and causes of back pain. In many cases, patients report their back pain as feeling like a “pinched nerve.” While the symptoms and severity can vary from case to case, having a pinched nerve or neuropathic (nerve) pain in the back can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive, often resulting in the inability to work, sleep, and otherwise function normally. At Pain Zero, in New Albany, OH, pain management specialists are highly experienced in the evaluation and treatment of nerve pain, including cases of pinched nerves in the back. Read on to find out whether your pinched nerve pain will go away on its own, when to seek care, and what treatments may help you get the pinched nerve pain relief you deserve.

What causes a pinched nerve in the back?

Back pain can be the result of a wide variety of factors, and a pinched nerve is not uncommon as a cause of back pain. Most often, pinched nerve pain affects the lower back, but it can also present in the upper or mid-back, often radiating to the neck and shoulders. There are several possible causes of a pinched nerve in the back, including a herniated disc— also referred to as a ruptured or slipped disc — which is characterized by one or more vertebral discs becoming displaced or compressed and putting undue pressure on the nearby nerves.

What does a pinched nerve feel like?

Pinched nerve pain in the back can manifest itself differently from patient to patient based on their overall health, other health problems and musculoskeletal anatomy, the nature and severity of their nerve and/or vertebral issues, and additional factors. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve in the back (lower or upper) include:

• Sharp pain
• Numbness and/or tingling in the extremities (pins and needles)
• Pain that radiates to the neck and shoulders
• Stiffness in the neck or back
• Inability to get comfortable while sleeping or sitting
• Discomfort when rotating back or neck
• Burning or shooting pain
• Sensitivity to cold

Will a pinched nerve get better by itself?

In some cases, a pinched nerve and its resultant pain may improve on its own with at-home methods like rest, appropriate exercise and stretching, ice and/or heat as recommended, and over-the-counter medications. This is typically true for mild and acute cases of nerve pain in the back. When a pinched nerve is associated with a more severe or chronic condition, however — including disc herniation — more prompt evaluation and treatment are recommended to avoid worsening pain and more serious complications. If you are experiencing severe or prolonged pinched nerve pain, or if your pain is accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of mobility, loss of bowel/bladder control, and other significant symptoms, immediate treatment and care should be sought.

How is a pinched nerve treated?

The treatment for a pinched back nerve will depend on the cause of the condition, the severity of the symptoms, the patient’s additional health considerations, and other factors. Following a thorough consultation and evaluation, our pain management specialists will formulate a comprehensive care plan that is tailored to you. In many cases, nerve pain can be managed or resolved with:

• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Electric stimulation
• Nerve blocks
• Steroid injections
• Prescription medications
• Minimally invasive spine treatments

Get pinched nerve pain relief ASAP with nerve pain treatment in Central Ohio

Having a pinched nerve can make even the simplest of things — like sleeping —feel impossible. If at-home back pain relief methods haven’t been successful, it may be time to consider your options for professional pain management. Take the first step toward regaining control of your comfort and happiness by calling Pain Zero in New Albany, OH to schedule your private consultation for pinched nerve treatment today.