What is a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness along the pathway of the nerve. A pinched nerve can happen in different areas of the body, with common locations being the wrist, elbow, neck, back or hip.
Causes of a pinched nerve include:
- Injuries such as fractures or sprains
- Arthritis
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Bone spurs
- Repetitive motions
Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
- Sharp, shooting or burning pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty moving the affected area
Can cracking your back relieve a pinched nerve?
Cracking or popping your back will not relieve a pinched nerve. While cracking your back may temporarily increase range of motion and provide short-term pain relief, it does not address the underlying cause of a pinched nerve. Here’s why:
- Cracking the back releases gas bubbles in the spinal fluid, creating an audible “pop.” This can loosen up stiff joints but does not decompress a pinched nerve.
- A pinched nerve is caused by external compression and inflammation of the nerve. Cracking the back does not reduce inflammation or remove pressure on the nerve.
- Any pain relief or increased mobility from cracking is temporary. Once the joints settle back into place, symptoms of a pinched nerve will return.
- Repeated cracking can damage spinal joints over time. This may worsen nerve compression and inflammation.
While cracking the back is not harmful for most people, it should not be used as a remedy for a pinched nerve. Long-term relief requires treating the underlying cause.
What treatments can relieve a pinched nerve?
Here are some evidence-based treatments for a pinched nerve:
Rest
Resting the affected area prevents further irritation and inflammation of the pinched nerve. Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms.
Ice/Heat
Applying ice packs can reduce inflammation. Heat pads and warm compresses can relax muscles and increase blood flow. Use whichever provides relief.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help ease nerve pain and reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Specific exercises can decompress the pinched nerve and strengthen surrounding muscles. A physical therapist can provide an individualized recovery program.
Braces/Splints
These support injured joints and prevent movements that aggravate the pinched nerve. Splints are often used for pinched nerves in the wrist or elbow.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroids can be injected into the area surrounding an inflamed nerve to reduce swelling. Effects are temporary but can provide pain relief.
Surgery
If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. Common procedures include removing bone spurs or a herniated disc fragment.
Conclusion
Cracking your back will not provide lasting relief for a pinched nerve. While momentarily satisfying, it does not treat the underlying problem. A pinched nerve requires rest, anti-inflammatory measures, and possibly physical therapy or surgery to decompress the affected nerve. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of a pinched nerve. With the right care, most pinched nerves will heal over time.