Can a Massage Help a Pinched Nerve? Let’s Find Out!

There are a million reasons to get a professional massage. Need one of your own? Here are nine benefits of massage therapy!

The benefits of regular therapeutic touch are numerous, ranging from stress relief to pain management and everything between.

But, can a massage help a pinched nerve?

Read on, and we’ll explain what a pinched nerve is and the role massage can play in helping you feel your best. 

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

It can start as a dull, aching pain somewhere in your body. The sensation could then express itself with a bit of numbness and possibly even immobility of the area.

Sound familiar? You could be dealing with a pinched nerve. This article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing significant pain, consult with your primary care provider first.

A pinched nerve can happen at any time to anyone. Pinched nerves result from compression of nerves, either by connective tissue, muscle, or bone. This pressure can occur over time due to poor posture or injuries from lifestyle.

Left untreated, a pinched nerve can cause more significant problems down the line. 

What’s the good news?

There are many non-invasive ways to address the discomfort of a pinched nerve.

Can a Massage Help a Pinched Nerve? 

Massage therapy is an excellent example of a non-invasive treatment for pinched nerves.

In fact, many doctors prescribe massage for patients who present with pinched nerves.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, though. Whether or not massage can help relieve a pinched nerve depends on a few factors.

If the pinched nerve occurs in the soft tissue and presents as tight muscles, ligaments, or tendons, massage may be a great help.

But what if the pinched nerve is the result of spinal compression?

Massage can still help, but it may only provide temporary relief to the area. Sometimes though that temporary relief can be enough to get you through to the next stage.

Massage won’t fix a herniated disk, but it can help relieve the inflamed tissues around it. You may need to see a specialist if the pinched nerve is due to bone issues. 

In that instance, you may be better off seeing a chiropractor. They can manually adjust your skeleton, often providing immediate relief.

In more severe cases you may be offered cortisone injections, or in extreme cases — surgery. 

Types of Massages 

There are many types of massage. In general, though, you can think about massage in two ways: ss either therapeutic or for relaxation. Many of the techniques used in massage encompass both of these. The difference between the two is in the application and intention behind it.

Both are excellent. However, depending on your specific needs one approach may be better than the other.

Therapeutic Massage

A therapeutic massage relates to healing a specific ailment. For example, a pinched nerve.

If you are dealing with an injury of any sort, or chronic pain, therapeutic massage may be for you.

Treatment in this instance will start with a thorough assessment. The therapist will make sure they understand what you are going through, informing how they approach your ailment.

These treatments may be deeper in nature as they are intended to correct or at least mitigate a problem.

Relaxation Massage

On the other hand, relaxation massage is nearly the opposite of a therapeutic massage.

In a relaxation massage, a thorough intake will still take place. The end result will just be different.

Depth of pressure will typically be more gentle, allowing you to relax. Specific issues may still be addressed here.

The objective is to help you achieve a state of mind that is free from tension and anxiety. Sometimes this in and of itself can help with a pinched nerve without working directly on it.

Other Benefits of Massage Therapy

Aside from treating acute conditions, receiving regular massage has many benefits.

Massage is a form of integrative medicine. Pairing it with other treatments can increase overall health and well-being.

Ease Chronic Pain

According to a recent study, over 20% of Americans experience chronic pain.

The study further suggested that this pain costs us $80billion in lost wages annually.

Adding massage into your self-care routine could save you time, money, and pain in the long run.

Say Goodbye to Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety disorders — including depression — impact 40 million adults in the U.S. alone.

Many times these disorders will compound and result in physical discomfort.

Massage boosts serotonin production and helps to soothe the nervous system. Paired with other treatments, massage can offer real relief from symptoms of anxiety. 

Get Parasympathetic

We most often hear about two states of our nervous system: fight vs. flight and rest and digest.

Our modern world leaves many of us in a perpetual fight or flight state (sympathetic nervous system). Massage comes in and teaches us how to access the rest and digest part (parasympathetic).

Learning how to relax is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. It can even help prevent injuries (like a pinched nerve) in the future.

Improve Posture

Many of our ailments are a result of poor posture. A 2001 study in the International Journal of Neuroscience indicated regular massage helped reduce back pain and increased the range of motion for all study participants (even those with chronic pain).

You should know that though massage can help you achieve better posture, additional lifestyle changes may be required as well.

Why Wait? Book Your Massage Today!

If you are experiencing strong, immobilizing pain, please consult your primary care doctor before making your massage appointment.

Once you’re ready to start feeling your best, we can’t wait to see you! Call us today at: (402) 384-8400.

Our highly trained team of massage therapists is ready to help you achieve your wellness goals. And our front desk team can answer any questions you may have.

Don’t suffer in pain for one more minute. Get the care you deserve today.