This is a question we receive often here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants from prospective patients. The answer to the question itself truly depends on the number of different circumstances surrounding your body, your health, and your ability to heal; both internally and from possible surgery. Read on to learn more about the individual process when it comes to determine how long a pinched nerve lasts.
The Answer to This Question is: “It Varies”
As stated above, it really does vary from individual to individual. The causes behind your pinched nerve can play a large factor into your recovery time. Pair that with dietary habits, lifestyle, and numerous other factors; and you’ll have a better projection to determine how much longer you may be experiencing this pinched nerve issue.
Most Pinched Nerves Last Between a Few Days to a Few Months
In most situations, a pinched nerve may last anywhere from a few days to a few months in severe scenarios. The best thing you can do to possibly reduce the time you’re experiencing the pinched nerve issue is to seek the appropriate medical care as soon as possible. We can help with this, so feel free to contact us and sign the form at the bottom of this page.
Why Do Some Pinched Nerves Last Longer Than Others?
Some pinched nerves may last longer than others for a number of reasons. These reasons may consist of everything from poor posture (typically a short-term pinched nerve), to an actual physical injury (typically a longer-term pinched nerve). Again, addressing the pinched nerve issue promptly with the right medical professional can do a whole lot of good, instead of postponing the visit to the doctor. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll end up experiencing further issues along the way.
Pinched Nerve in Neck
A pinched nerve in the neck, while typically the lesser painful pinched nerve on this list, is just as annoying as it is painful. Nobody likes a pain inthe neck, hence the phrase “a real pain in the neck”. Pinched nerves in the neck are typically caused by awkward sleeping positions, poor posture, craning of the neck while sitting at your desk, or repetitive movements which inflame your neck’s tissues and nerves. In most cases, the pain will typically resolve in a few days, but if it does not resolve on its own after a few days, you’ll want to seek out medical care.
Pinched Nerve in Lower Back
A pinched nerve in the lower back can be debilitating in some cases. We don’t realize just how much we utilize our lower back until something is wrong with the area. If you’re experiencing a pinched nerve in your lower back, you may be suffering from a herniated disc or sciatica. A herniated disc may be caused by a physical injury or lifting something too heavy for your strength. Sciatica can be caused by sitting too much for extended periods of time. Sometimes, this pain may resolve on its own, but it’s still a good idea to have it checked out as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a slipped disc or sciatica, you’ll want to have it treated appropriately so it doesn’t worsen over time. There are a number of non-invasive methods to address a pinched nerve in the lower back, such as physical therapy.
Pinched Nerve in Hip
A pinched nerve in your hip can be caused by an injury, obesity, or bone spurs. If the pinched nerve in your hip is caused by an injury, it may resolve in a few days on its own. If it does not resolve after a few days, seek out medical care. If your pinched nerve is caused by obesity, you’ll want to speak with your doctor about the pain you’re experiencing and seek out nutritional guidance and try to lose weight through healthy eating habits and an exercise routine customized to you. If bone spurs are causing a pinched nerve in your hip, you’ll want to contact us to see how we can help. We’ve helped many patients experiencing bone spurs and have helped restore their quality of life.
Pinched Nerve in Leg
A pinched nerve in the leg can be a result of herniated discs or injuries. You’ll want to address the root cause of your pinched nerve, which may be a herniated disc. Additionally, you’ll not want to ignore a pinched nerve in your leg, as it may result in a case of peripheral neuropathy, which can be painful and debilitating.
Pinched Nerve in Shoulder
A pinched nerve in your shoulder can be limiting in many ways . We use our shoulders for many tasks, such as picking up items, sleeping comfortably, driving a car, etc… Again, you don’t realize how much you use your shoulder until there’s a problem with it. If you’re experiencing a sharp pain when you’ve noticed the nerve pain, it’s likely to be a pinched nerve problem in your shoulder. Injuries, arthritis, and tendinitis can be blamed for a pinched nerve in the shoulder. Addressing the issue with a medical professional if it persists for more than a few days to a week is a good idea.
Pinched Nerve in Wrist
A pinched nerve in the wrist is typically a result of carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. It can also be the result of past or present injury. Due to how much we use our wrists on a daily basis, we’re prone to experiencing a nerve issue in this area of the body, as we all use our hands every hour we’re awake, whereas we’re not always using our shoulders or legs in a repetitive fashion.
Physical Therapy for Pinched Nerves
As previously mentioned in the Thai post, physical therapy is a fantastic solution to help alleviate and possibly resolve pain from pinched nerves. Physical therapy is non-invasive and many of our patients have reported feeling better than ever after working with our physical therapists on a consistent basis.
Surgery as a Last Resort Option for Your Pinched Nerve
Should physical therapy and other alternative measures be ineffective, we may recommend surgery to resolve your pinched nerve issue. We’ll always be completely transparent with our approach and explain each and every component of the surgery itself so you’re well versed in all of the ways it may help you live a pain-free lifestyle once again.
Ways to Avoid Pinched Nerves in the Future
Some great ways to avoid pinched nerves in the future is to incorporate healthier habits into your lifestyle. This means eating healthier, finding a good balance of exercise for your personal goals, stretching daily, losing weight to relieve strain on your body, and maintaining good posture.
Lose Weight
Losing weight can be one of the best ways to help alleviate the strain and pressure on your nerves if you’re overweight. Being overweight not only causes potential nerve issues, it also causes many other health issues to possibly arise such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc…
Don’t Overdo It with Activities or Exercise
Finding a good balance of exercising can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. Overexercising may cause you to become prone to nerve injuries, whereas underexercising may cause the same problem to arise. We as human beings are made to move, but we also want to find the happy medium which benefits us the most.
Avoid Sitting or Standing All Day
Sitting all day and standing all day are not ideal for us when it comes to preventing nerve pain from arising. Both stances can cause pain to develop over time. It’s good to mix it up with both sitting and standing throughout the day to promote healthy circulation, movement, exercise, etc…
Focus On Maintaining Good Posture
Good posture has many benefits. It helps us with our confidence, it helps us with maintaining a healthy neck, back, and spine, and it also helps prevent nerve pain in those areas as well. If you have a bad habit of craning your neck when you’re seated at your desk, you may develop nerve pain over time. Do your best to have good posture throughout the day and you’ll likely see some type of benefit.
Strength Train Vulnerable Areas
Strength training vulnerable areas, such as the abdomen to promote better posture, can help us be the best we can be. Focused exercises on the back and shoulders can help to promote further strength and stamina as well which will most likely help prevent injuries when you’re participating in intense activities.
Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Help with Your Pinched Nerve Condition
If you’ve been expecting a pinched nerve condition and you’re seeking out excellent medical care, we have solutions for you! Feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical team members as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.