Pinched Nerve In Neck Surgery: What to Expect (Plus, Alternatives)
You found the perfect surgeon to address the pinched nerve in your neck. You’ve struggled with different symptoms around the same area for too long, and now you’re finally getting the necessary answers. That is, until you see your doctor’s price tag. Suddenly, it doesn’t feel like surgery is such a great idea anymore. It’s normal to worry about surgery, especially when you have so much at stake. It’s time to take a deep breath, relax, and learn more about what you have to look forward to. Read on to learn everything you should know before a pinched nerve in neck surgery.
Adjust Your Posture
Adjusting your posture is a key component to help treat a pinched nerve in the neck, which is often caused by poor posture. Having a good posture helps to maintain proper alignment, reducing tension in the necks muscles and tendons.
Keeping your head upright and your shoulders back helps to ease the strain on your neck. Additionally, engaging in stretching exercises and using foam rollers, massage balls, and trigger point release tools can help to reduce tension in the neck.
Oral Medication
Oral medication is a great alternative to neck surgery for relieving a pinched nerve in the neck. This form of treatment is non-invasive and uses medications to target the underlying issues of the pinched nerve.
This type of treatment usually involves taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to reduce swelling and tension around the nerve. Oral steroids are sometimes prescribed to alleviate the swelling further.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy are two common alternative treatments for a pinched nerve in the neck. It can relax the surrounding muscles and tendons to help relieve the pain.
It can be done with a heating pad, hot towels, or hot water bottles to increase circulation in the affected area. Cold therapy numbs the area, reducing the discomfort from the nerve compression. Ice packs and cold packs are effective forms of cold therapy but should only be used for short periods of time.
Nerve Block for Sciatica
Nerve Block for Sciatica is a procedure used to treat nerve pain caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. It is a common procedure used for the relief of chronic neck and arm pain and is typically performed in an outpatient setting.
The procedure involves the injection of anesthetic into the area around the nerve, which can help to reduce pain, providing relief from symptoms of sciatica. This procedure is not considered major surgery and can typically be done within the same day. Before and after the procedure, patients may experience temporary numbness and tingling.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy involves manual stretching and massage to relieve muscle tightness and tension in the neck, while exercise will focus on strengthening the muscles in the neck to limit joint movement and prevent future nerve pinching.
Common exercises may include light resistance training, flexibility drills, and balance training to help build strength and correct posture. Together, physical therapy and exercise can help to reduce discomfort from pinched nerves, improve neck mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
Learn More About Pinched Nerve in Neck Surgery
Overall, a pinched nerve in neck surgery can be a great procedure to relieve severe neck pain. However, many alternatives, such as chiropractic treatment or physical therapy, may offer some relief as well.
Be sure to consult with a doctor to determine the best option for you. If you’re considering neck surgery, know what to expect and be informed of all your options.
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Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.
