any thing i can do to help a pinched nerve in my neck without going to the ER?

Question

i put my hands behind my head to stretch and when i did i felt a sharp pain in the base of my neck. now it hurts all the way down in to my shoulders and in my upper chest and up right behind my ear when ever i turn my head. i went to the ER but they said it could be about 3 to 4 hours just to get back to see a Dr because they were full of people with the that flu cold mix thing going around so i went home. Any clue on how i can stop the pain at home? i have put a heating pad even took some Advil but nothing is stopping the pain.

It feels like something is broken but i know that can't be it that's how i know it's a pinched nerve for all those who would ask well how do u know it's a pinched nerve

Answer 1

Your best bet for the first 48-72 hours is ice as opposed to heat.
Typically in the ER for a non urgent neck pain ( meaning no trauma, it's not broken etc) our docs prescribe a pain medication ( like Vicodin), Ibuprofen 800 mg ( 4 Advil), ice, and rest. With instructions to follow up with your primary doctor if not getting better in a few days.
You might see if you have urgent care or clinic hours at your doctors office where you can drop in. Some hospitals offer urgent care appointments for things such as neck pain, back pain, sore throats etc. You can also call and ask the "advise nurse" at your local emergency room what your local options for treatment are.

Answer 2

I would advise a nice long hot shower on the specific areas that are hurting. This will increase the circulation in the area. Follow this by ice therapy. The ice will definitely stop the pain and any swelling around the injury. Just be sure you protect your skin against frost bite. Also, have you considered your sleeping position and pillow? A full pillow can do quite a bit of damage, like pinching nerves in your neck and causing your arms to go to "sleep". Your position while at rest should be very similar as your body position while standing. You might even want to support your arm with a pillow. You can also take some strain off of your back by laying on your side, and supporting your knee down to the ankle with pillows. I would advise you to take old-fashioned aspirin with food. Excellent inflammatory. I dont blame you for leaving the ER and being exposed to all of the flu. Perhaps seeing a doctor privately would be better for you. Godloveya.

Answer 3

ive had a pinched nerve for the past two years i think, its the most awful thing ever...... try massaging your neck but only go from top to bottom and always in the same direction... if you can pick an exact muscle that the pain is in and gently squeeze it between your thumb and middle finger downward you should feel at least SOME kind of releif... but sometimes they can be a real pain. good luck

Answer 4

I've found that heat helps sometimes. If you take an old tube sock and fill it with un-cooked rice. Pop it in the microwave, and PRESTO! You've got yourself a heat source that will last for hours. Heads up though, the rice doesn't always smell the best at first. Hope you feel better.

Answer 5

Most likely you strained a muscle in your neck or upper shoulder which is causing it to spasm and can cause a brachiel plexus injury. The ER won't help you at all but I would try to get in to see your primary care Dr. when you can.