1. Treating a Pinched Nerve in the
Back

2. Treating a Pinched Nerve in the Back
A pinched nerve in the back can cause a
number of uncomfortable symptoms, leading
many of those who suffer from the condition
to actively seek methods for relieving their
pain. The best course of action for these
patients to take is to consult their primary
care physician or a spine specialist. There are
a number of conservative treatments that
can be used to manage the symptoms of a
pinched nerve in the back, and working with
a physician will provide the patient with the
best possible hope for relieving their pain
and discomfort.

3. Pinched Nerve Causes
A pinched nerve in the back is most commonly caused by a
spinal condition that has slowly developed over time. By the
time most individuals reach middle age, they will have
developed one or more of these conditions, which are
collectively referred to as degenerative spinal conditions. These
conditions are the result of the continued strain that is placed
on the spine each time it facilitates movement or bears weight.
After years of carrying out their responsibilities, the anatomical
components of the spine –primarily the vertebrae, facet joints,
and intervertebral discs – can begin to deteriorate, making
them susceptible to misalignment, arthritis, bulging, or
herniation, respectively. It is these conditions that often lead to
the compression of a spinal nerve. Every one of the body’s
nerves is a branch from the spinal cord, which is the conduit of
information from the brain to the rest of the body. Because of
the sheer number of highly sensitive nerves that are found in
the back, it’s no wonder that damage within or injury to the
spinal column can lead to a pinched nerve in the back.

4. Pinched Nerve Symptoms
Just as the spinal nerves transmit sensory and motor signals
throughout the body, they can also transmit pain signals. As a
result, a pinched nerve in the back can result in discomfort in the
parts of the body that are innervated by that particular nerve. Since
the nerves in the lower back are responsible for controlling the
lower body, a pinched nerve in the back can cause discomfort in the
following areas:
• Lower back
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Legs
• Feet
The symptoms most commonly associated with a pinched nerve
include pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Fortunately, these symptoms can typically be treated through the
use of nonsurgical techniques.

5. Medication
Medication is one of the primary conservative treatments that are
used to manage the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the back.
Physicians will often advise their patients to initially utilize over-
the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
ibuprofen and naproxen, or analgesics such as acetaminophen. It is
extremely important to consult a physician or pharmacist before
taking any of these medications, as they can sometimes interfere
with other drugs or cause adverse reactions in those who have
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or other types of conditions.
If over-the-counter medication proves insufficient, or if a patient’s
pain is especially debilitating, a doctor may prescribe narcotic pain
relievers or muscle relaxants. It should be noted, however, that
many physicians are hesitant to prescribe these medications
because of their rampant abuse. As a result, some doctors may
advise patients to utilize other types of conservative treatments
before attempting prescription medication.

6. Physical Therapy
Many patients who suffer from a pinched nerve in the back find working with a
physical therapist to be beneficial. Despite popular opinion, physical therapy can entail
more than just strength training exercises. While it can prove incredibly beneficial for
patients to increase the strength in their lower backs and abdominals so as to provide
the spine with better support, other treatment methods can also prove helpful. Some
of these methods include:
• Cryotherapy – Also called cold therapy, cryotherapy entails the application of an ice
pack or other cold source to the lower back. This practice can relieve inflammation,
which could be causing or contributing to the compression of the affected nerve.
Cryotherapy also helps to ease pain by numbing the area.
• Thermotherapy – This type of therapy, also called heat therapy, involves using a
heating pad to increase blood flow. When the heat source is applied to the lower back,
the body responds by pumping that area full of nutrient-rich blood, which can help in
the healing process.
• Massage therapy – Applying pressure while rubbing or kneading the muscles in the
back can relieve tension. This can prove beneficial to those who suffer from a pinched
nerve in the back if tense or spastic muscles are causing the compression of the
affected nerve.
• Therapeutic ultrasound – This technique entails using sound waves to deeply
penetrate the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. Therapeutic
ultrasound can help with the healing process by enhancing cell repair.

7. Lifestyle Modifications
In many cases, reversing certain behaviors or making specific lifestyle changes can help to
relieve the chronic pain that is often associated with a pinched nerve in the back. It’s
important to note that making these changes will not benefit all patients and a physician
should be consulted before doing so. That said, some of the lifestyle changes that can help
relieve the pain and discomfort of a pinched nerve are:
• Weight loss – Being overweight forces the spine to work extra hard to carry out basic tasks,
such as walking, sitting, and even lying down. Shedding excess pounds can help to ease
some of the strain that is placed on the back and may also help to relieve some of the
pressure that is being placed on the affected nerve.
• Becoming more active – Whether an individual is obese or is at a healthy weight, leading a
sedentary lifestyle can severely affect the spine. Without adequate exercise, the muscles
and ligaments in the back can weaken and become less adept at supporting the spine. In
turn, this can contribute to the degenerative changes that can lead to neural compression.
• Quitting smoking and/or reducing alcohol consumption – Tobacco products contain
chemicals that are not only detrimental to the cardiovascular system and the lungs, but that
are also harmful to the spine. These chemicals rob the blood of adequate levels of oxygen
and certain nutrients, leading to malnourished intervertebral discs and other anatomical
components of the spine. Excessive alcohol consumption can have similar effects and can
also interfere with the body’s production of bone material, potentially contributing to the
development of spinal arthritis.

8. Surgical Treatment
Most patients who suffer from a pinched
nerve in the back are able to relieve their
symptoms through the use of conservative,
nonsurgical treatments. However, some
patients may receive little to no relief after
several weeks or months and these patients
may be advised to consider surgical
treatment. Before consenting to any
operation, patients should ask their doctors
which operations they are candidates for and
should thoroughly research all options before
committing to one in particular. Patients may
also want to seek a second opinion to ensure
that surgery is necessary.