Pinched nerves

By Metro Creative

Pinched nerves can be debilitating, but the goods news is the condition is generally treatable.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people who suffer a pinched nerve recover within a few days or weeks. Harvard Medical School notes that conservative therapies are often the first course when treating pinched nerves. An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might be recommended by a physician, who also might prescribe physical therapy to treat a pinched nerve. Harvard Medical School notes that range-of-motion exercises and strengthening exercises also may be recommended, particularly for those who want more immediate relief.

The Mayo Clinic notes that if pinched nerve pain, which can be considerable, does not subside, surgery may be recommended. However, Harvard Medical School reports that surgery is essentially a last resort when treating pinched nerves and may only be recommended if pain has not subsided after six to eight weeks, which suggests that more conservative treatments are not working.

Surgery also may be recommended if individuals are experiencing increased difficulty moving or there is evidence of spinal cord compression.