A pinched nerve in the shoulder can be excruciating. Pain medication can be taken to alleviate the ache, but that just covers up the pain instead of healing the injury. A doctor should always be consulted before trying any home remedies because pinched nerves in the neck or shoulder can be an indication of more serious illnesses, such as inflamed spinal joints or spondylitis.
Pinched Nerve Shoulder Home Remedies
A number of herbs do very well with nerve pain. Some can be applied topically, some internally. The best bet is to use a combination of the two. It gives your body a chance to heal outside and in. Look for topical pain relievers that have a natural oil and wax base. Petroleum based products coat the skin and minimize absorption. Natural options such as almond oil and beeswax penetrate deeply – to the source of the pain.
Topical herbs
- St. John’s wort
- Arnica
- Cayenne
- Wintergreen essential oil
- Lavender essential oil
Internal herbs
- St. John’s wort
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Cayenne
- Butcher’s Broom
- Skullcap
Watch your diet
There are a few vitamins and minerals that help heal nerve damage. Any time you are healing from an injury, remember to drink plenty of water and lower your intake of high acid foods such as coffee and orange juice. Stay clear of processed foods during your healing time. Massage therapists often suggest increasing your intake of raw food such as salad and sprouted grains. Ensure you have sufficient amounts of the following:
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
Potato
To treat a pinched nerve in the neck, cut a raw potato into thick slices and lay the slices over the affected area. Leave the remedy on the neck for 30 minutes. After the potato starts to dry, remove the remedy and wash the area with warm water. Some people have enjoyed faster recovery with a pinched nerve after using the remedy.
Massage with Hot Oils
Use the odor and properties of hot oils to treat a pinched nerve in the shoulder. Olive oil offers great healing properties, especially to people who suffer from arthritis. Heat a ½ cup of olive oil to the point that it is hot, yet still comfortable to the touch. Have someone else pour the oil into their hands and massage the region of the pinched nerve. The heat and oil will work together to alleviate symptoms of a pinched nerve.
Remember the rules about ice and heat – Ice reduces inflammation, Heat loosens muscles. Some people find relief by switching between icing the injury and then applying a heating pad. Different injuries respond in different ways. Pay attention to what your body asks for. Many people use heating muscle rubs instead of heating pads. We have recipes for making your own natural muscle rubs. One is regular and the other is extra strength.
