What causes pinched nerves?

Question

I get a pinched nerve in my shoulder that radiates pain down my arm and up into my neck. I do nothing to cause this - although I figure I sleep on it wrong because I wake up in pain.

Why is this happening, and what can I do to prevent it and to treat it once it occurs?

How am I sleeping wrong though? I am a side sleeper. I get pinched nerves in either shoulder, up to six times a year... Why does this happen to some folks like me fairly often and never happen to other people?

Answer 1

Melissa is right, and I would also add that inflammation can cause swelling, pinching the nerve, so taking an anti-imflammatory, like tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen should help, too. You might want to sleep in a different position- use pillows if you have to to keep from rolling over.

Answer 2

you probably cant prevent it but to treat it I would take a long hot bath. This will relax your muscles and should relieve some of the pain. If this doesn't work you should see the doctor.