“Are hot baths good for pinched nerves?”
I am a 24 year old male. I want to know if hot baths are good for pinched nerves?
10 Answers
Hello,
It depends how long ago an injury occurred. The golden rule of thumb is that first 72 hrs, you should ice it, then you can apply the heat.
It depends how long ago an injury occurred. The golden rule of thumb is that first 72 hrs, you should ice it, then you can apply the heat.
Heat can be relaxing and enhance circulation to clear debris from the injury. In an acute situation, although it feels good, heat may actually promote more inflammation. If it is still acute, the pain will get worse two hours after taking the heat off. You can use contrast therapy in this situation: after getting out of the tub and cooling down for ten minutes, put an ice pack on for 30 minutes.
Hot baths and hot showers can give you some relief. This should not be the only treatment used for pain but it helps.
If a nerve is truly "pinched," there will be deep inflammation - initially ice will be better. After inflammation is reduced, then alternating 20 min of heat followed by 10 min of ice several times per day will be helpful. Please consult your local chiropractor to determine which phase of care you are in.
Hello,
While hot baths are soothing and muscle relaxing, it is most likely a structural misalignment from tight muscles. You need an evaluation and adjustment to help correct the muscle and structural issues.
Sincerely,
Dr. Churchill
While hot baths are soothing and muscle relaxing, it is most likely a structural misalignment from tight muscles. You need an evaluation and adjustment to help correct the muscle and structural issues.
Sincerely,
Dr. Churchill
Heat can help depending on the situation, I’d say go talk with a chiropractor and see first hand what’s going on
no
That really depends on where the nerve is being pinched and what is causing the pinched nerve. If you think you have a pinched nerve, you need to get evaluated by a health care professional to determine IF you have a pinched nerve, WHICH nerve is being pinched, how long it has been pinched for, and what the appropriate treatment is. Your chiropractor should take a good history and do a thorough examination in order to make a proper diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. A hot bath is great for sore muscles, though.
If the nerve is pinched due to a spinal disc, then a hot bath is the worst thing to do. Ice would be a good option to decrease any swelling and irritation to the nerve.
25. The question that needs to be answered is what is causing the "pinching" and what needs to be done to treat it properly for the best results. I don't like using the term "pinched nerve". Pain does not mean the nerve is "pinched". If the nerve is actually "pinch" it is a possible surgical case. Even if the nerve is in a position where it appears to be trapped on an MRI or CAT doesn't mean it is "pinched". The condition needs to be assessed on how the nerve is functioning. Pain is not the best criteria for assenting function. However, nerves are aggravated many times and may be associated with a lot of pain and yet respond quickly to Chiropractic treatment. Hot baths is an effective treatment under the right controls.
