How to Fix a Pinched Nerve: Can Massage Therapy Help?

Do you know how to fix a pinched nerve? Can massage therapy can help? Read on to learn more about massage therapy and pinched nerves.

Did you know that 85 out of every 100,000 adults in America will experience a pinched nerve this year? This is more common in adults over the age of 50, but can occur at any age. 

A pinched nerve may be caused by a number of different factors, but whatever the cause, a pinched nerve can be a literal pain in the neck.

When looking for ways to fix a pinched nerve, have you considered massage? Massage might is an additional expense, but it could also hold the answer to your problems. 

Keep reading and find out everything you need to know about pinched nerves and how massage therapy may help.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

When the tissues around a nerve experience stress, they can be pinched. The tissue can include bone, cartilage, muscles, or tendons.

The common cause of pinched nerves is too much pressure on your nerve because of the stress on the tissues. Pinched nerves occur in many parts of the body, but that’s not necessarily where you will feel the pain or effects. 

For example, you may pinch a nerve in your wrist but feel the effects in your fingers. 

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

There are a few sensations you can experience that indicate a pinched nerve.

You may experience a sharp, burning, or aching feeling. Often, it will feel like it is spreading  outward. 

You might also experience numbness. This can also present as a loss of sensation in an area of your body. 

In addition, if your limbs fall asleep often and leave a feeling of pins and needles, this could indicate a pinched nerve. Or, you might just feel as if your muscles have weakened. 

Typically, the symptoms start to go away within a few days; however, if that’s not the case, you need to consult a doctor to discuss treatment strategies. 

Causes of Pinched Nerves

The causes of pinched nerves have an extensive range. However, there are more common causes to watch out for. 

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pinched nerves. However, other common causes include: 

• Injuries
• Mental stress
• Obesity
• Excessive physical activity
• Not enough physical activity
• Rapid weight gain (pregnancy) 

Whatever the reason for your pinched nerve, it’s not a pleasant experience, and treatment can help. 

How to Fix a Pinched Nerve

There are many methods you can utilize to fix a pinched nerve. Some of these may involve exercise, stretching, medications, ice and heat, and time and rest. 

These are all excellent pinched nerve tips that will help; but when that’s not enough, you might want to consider utilizing massage for your pinched nerve. 

There are a couple of ways a massage therapist can help you. 

Nerves Pinched by Soft Tissues

Your nerve may become pinched because of tight tendons, muscles, or ligaments. One example is strained muscles and tendons in the wrist. 

When these place pressure on your median nerve, you can end up with carpal tunnel. In addition, tightened muscles in the hip can lead to a pinched sciatic nerve. 

If your pinched nerve is due to tightening of the soft tissues, then massage therapy is an excellent solution. Massage therapy will help these tightened muscles soften, lengthen, and relax. 

When your muscles relax, it will help take a lot of the pressure off of your nerve. 

Nerves Pinched by Spinal Compression

If your nerves are pinched by spinal compression, the story is a little bit different. Spinal compression is going to include a herniated disc or another spinal problem such as spinal stenosis. 

When a massage therapist works on your body, they work on the body’s soft tissues, not the bones. It is important to keep this in mind when getting a massage. 

A massage cannot fix problems you are having with your bones or discs. However, it can help give you relief while working on another plan of action with your doctor. 

If this is the situation you find yourself in, make sure you talk to your doctor about whether or not massage therapy is okay for you. 

What Type of Massage Should You Get? 

When it comes to treating a pinched nerve, knowing what type of massage to get is important. 

A Swedish massage is a great place to begin. In this style of massage, your therapist will use pressure that ranges from light to medium. 

They will also use long gliding strokes to relax your nervous system and muscles. Other techniques used could include gentle stretching to relax your joints and lengthen your muscles. 

If your pinched nerve is in your lower back, consider getting a deep tissue massage. Muscles in your butt, hips, and lower back are dense. 

Because of this, more pressure could be needed to get those muscles to relax. In this style of massage, kneading, long strokes, and cross-friction massage is used to help relax the various areas of your body. 

Important Notes Before Booking

Before you book your massage and during your massage, be sure to communicate your needs to your massage therapist. Your massage experience should not only help your pinched nerve, but also be a relaxing experience. 

By communicating with your therapist, you can make sure your session meets your needs. Keep in mind that, at times, you may need more than one massage session. 

Regular massages might be required to allow your body to begin to heal itself. 

Book Your Massage Today

Now that you know how to treat a pinched nerve, it’s time to get some relief.  Book an appointment with your massage therapist today. 

Faces Spa is a sanctuary for beauty, relaxation, and rejuvenation. We want to help you look and feel better. Call us today at (402) 384-8400 to schedule your appointment.