Whether due to an injury, constant motion at work or home, or from carrying excess weight, living with a pinched nerve in your neck can be painful and debilitating. Not only will the pain reduce your quality of life, but it can also decrease mobility and limit your ability to complete simple everyday tasks. Surgery is one of the most common treatments, but this option may require invasive techniques to relieve pressure around the nerve. Fortunately, finding relief in a natural manner is possible. If you are currently living with pain in the neck due to a pinched nerve, consider changing up your diet and exercise plan for relief.

Exercise

Considering you are experiencing pain, you may not have a desire to exercise. However, performing a few exercises each day offers many benefits. Not only is it proven to increase the brain's production of endorphins, which will improve your mood, but certain exercises can reduce inflammation around your pinched nerve. This will decrease pain while improving mobility.

Before starting any new exercise program, consult your doctor to ensure it is safe.

Neck rolls are simple stretches that you can complete anywhere and at any time. To get started, sit up straight in a chair or stand up tall. Tilt your head so your right ear is over your right shoulder. Then, move the neck in a circular position so the left ear is over your left shoulder. Repeat the rolling movement a few times each day.

To reduce stiffness and pain in your neck, consider the head turn, as well. Stand up straight behind a chair. Place your hands on the back of the chair to keep your balance. Then, turn your head as far to the left as possible, keeping your hands securely on the chair. Hold the position for 10 seconds before releasing. Then, turn your head to the opposite side and hold in position. Repeat multiple times a day for relief.

Diet

While surprising, changing up your diet can reduce the pain associated with your pinched nerve. Calcium and vitamin D are imperative elements for healthy bones and nerves. In many instances, pinched nerves develop from a calcium deficiency in your body. Incorporating foods rich in calcium, such green, leafy vegetables and low-fat milk and cheese, can reduce your pain while improving mobility.

Potassium is also important for healing cells and restoring nerve function. To improve your pinched nerve, consider adding a potassium supplement to your daily regimen. Or, consume potassium-rich foods each day. Bananas, avocados, apricots, cashews, and walnuts are all excellent sources of potassium.

Living with the pain of a pinched nerve is possible, but you can find relief. With this guide, you will be able to improve your pain and mobility in non-surgical ways. Contact a company like Beltline Chiropractic to learn more.

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