What is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when there is pressure being put on a nerve. There can different causes of pressure, such as repetitive motions or not moving for a long period of time. Depending on the severity of your pinched nerve, the symptoms may linger. It is important that you seek out medical attention sooner rather than later. If left untreated your pinched nerve may lead to more severe pain. If you have a pinched nerve in your neck and are looking for physical therapy in East Meadow, then Island Sports Physical Therapy is the perfect place for you!

Symptoms: 

One of the most common areas of the body for a pinched nerve to occur in is the neck. You can identify whether or not you have suffered a pinched nerve, or nerve compression in your neck through the following symptoms:

• Pain in your neck
• Radiating Pain
• Numbness/Tingling
• Burning Sensation
• Weakness

If you can identify one or more of the symptoms listed above it may be time to seek out a medical professional. Stop by physical therapy in East Meadow to get back to feeling 100 percent as fast as possible!

Treatment: 

Prior to visiting physical therapy in East Meadow, you may want to try out some of the following at-home treatment methods for a pinched nerve: 

• Extra Sleep and Rest
• Change Posture
• Ergonomic Workstation
• Pain Relieving Medication
• Stretching/Yoga
• Elevate Legs
• Ice and Heat Packs
• Lifestyle Changes

Treating your pinched nerve is crucial to ensure the pain does not grow or intensify. Ignoring the pain or not feeling relief from any at-home treatment can lead to eventual surgery. Which is why we encourage those suffering from nerve compression to seek out the help of physical therapy in East Meadow sooner rather than later!

How can a physical therapist help me?

Although the above treatments are helpful, your pain may be too serious for just those treatments alone. Visiting physical therapy in East Meadow will allow you to have a thorough examination and a treatment plan created just for your needs. A large part of that plan may include exercising. Exercise can be a great help when it comes to a pinched nerve in your neck. A physical therapist can walk you through some of the following exercises:

• Trap Stretch
• Chin Tuck
• Chin Tuck with Extension
• Head Turn
• Neck Bend
• Shoulder Roll

These exercises can be extremely helpful in terms of or reducing the amount of pain you endure. When doing these exercises, you want to ensure that your form is perfect and you do not over-do yourself! If you do not take the proper precaution, it can result in more pain.

If you have been suffering from a pinched nerve in your neck, it is time to get help! Contact us at Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Meadow to get the relief you need today!