Pinched nerves can cause pain, numbness, and weakness, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Here are some ways to help relieve the symptoms of a pinched nerve:

1. Rest: Resting the affected area and avoiding activities that cause or aggravate the compression is the most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve.

2. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the nerve. They may also recommend modifications to activities that aggravate the nerve.

3. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, can help relieve pain. Anticonvulsants and tricyclic medications such as gabapentin, nortriptyline, and amitriptyline are often used to treat nerve-related pain. Corticosteroids, given by mouth or by injection, may help minimize pain and inflammation.

4. Ice and heat: Applying ice and heat can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in cases of minor pinched nerves.

5. Elevate your legs: If the pinched nerve is located in your lower back, try laying on your back with your legs up, so that there’s a 90-degree bend in both your hips and knees.

6. Sleep and rest: Sleep is essential for a healing nerve, and the body repairs itself during sleep. Giving it more time to do so may help reduce symptoms quicker.

7. Good positioning: Maintaining good positioning and avoiding crossing your legs or lying in any one position for a long time may help prevent a pinched nerve.

If the pinched nerve doesnt improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, surgery may be needed to relieve pain.