How To Treat A Pinched Nerve

Lose Excess Weight

In certain cases of pinched nerves, but not all, it may help patients to lose excess weight. One of the main risk factors for developing nerve compression is extreme weight changes. This includes both sudden weight gain and sudden weight loss. There have been cases of pinched nerves where the compression comes from body fat pushing on the nerve's surface. If the weight gain is sudden, it may add unusual force to the nerve's outside and lead to damage. At the same time, a 2008 report found a patient with anorexia nervosa had pinched nerve injuries due to the extreme fat shifts in the patient's body from the extreme weight loss. If the compression is caused by excess fat, weight loss may help. However, the majority of cases are not related to weight gain. Therefore, doctors should first consider other treatment methods before defaulting to weight loss.

Keep reading to learn more about treating pinched nerves now.