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Suggest Treatment For Pinched Nerve In The Back

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Posted on Tue, 14 Feb 2017
Question: I "slept wrong"-hunched over in a chair for 5 hours and appear to have pinched a nerve in my upper back. It affects my shoulder, arm and down to my hand practically. I am doing PT (2 times so far) but that does not seem to help. How long should it take? I did this a week ago tomorrow and I have been icing pretty regularly and taking 600 mg. ibuprofen. I also took 15 mgs. of meloxicam-both meds did nothing. It seems to be a bit better, for the last 2 nights after I awaken now in the mornings. (At first I could not even sleep because of the constant pain.) BUT,as soon as I get in the car to drive, it worsens. I cannot seem to find ANY standing/sitting position that relieves the pain. Only after hours of lying practically flat-(Which causes gerd and lower back sciatica), does the pain seem to lessen. How long should this thing take to calm down? Should I get to a neurologist? Never had that happen before...
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You should wait another week.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Since you are feeling better, it is not necessary to see your Neurologist right now.

Generally, pinched nerve pain due to incorrect body position, should subside in a couple of weeks, so, I think, you should continue physical therapy and Ibuprofen for next 3-4 days together with Tylenol (for another week).

If it is possible, you should rest for few days and try to avoid driving.

Use of warm procedures on your neck and back several times a day should help also improve your symptoms.

If the pain persists after another week, consider consulting a Neurologist and getting imaging studies of your spine ( MRI ) done.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4501 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Pinched Nerve In The Back

Brief Answer: You should wait another week. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Since you are feeling better, it is not necessary to see your Neurologist right now. Generally, pinched nerve pain due to incorrect body position, should subside in a couple of weeks, so, I think, you should continue physical therapy and Ibuprofen for next 3-4 days together with Tylenol (for another week). If it is possible, you should rest for few days and try to avoid driving. Use of warm procedures on your neck and back several times a day should help also improve your symptoms. If the pain persists after another week, consider consulting a Neurologist and getting imaging studies of your spine ( MRI ) done. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.