Do you experience a sharp pain around the hip when you try to sit or stand up or shift your position? The pain is characteristic of a pinched nerve in the hip, and may be accompanied by weakness, tingling, burning sensation, the feeling of pins and needles, and numbness.It can be challenging and painful to perform your day to day activities and even interfere with your professional life.
It is usually caused when excess pressure is exerted on the nerve. But all is not lost! There are many treatments for a pinched nerve in the hip that you can do at home. These will offer some much-needed relief like any pain medication would, but without any side-effects.
The term pinched nerve is not used by medical professionals. It is a colloquial term. |
Heat and cold are very powerful and well-known treatments for pain. The heat increases the circulation to the pinched nerve causing numbness, whereas the cold can reduce inflammation and pain. By alternating between the two, you stand to gain the benefit of both(1).
Wait around two to three hours after one treatment to start the other. The ice pack should only be used for 15 minutes, whereas the heat pack can be safely used for at least half an hour.
[ Read: Relieve Hip Pain Naturally ]
The very thought of a massage may be relaxing – and it can even be an effective treatment for a pinched nerve. Massage applied gentle pressure to the area, helps your muscles relax, increases the circulation to the pinched nerve in hip and reduces pain(2).
Make sure you opt for a soothing massage and not a deep tissue massage as the excess pressure applied during a deep tissue massage may end up making things worse.
If you are visiting a massage therapist, then try to schedule at least one appointment every week. If you are doing it at home, then you can try to massage the area at the end of every day.
[ Read: Massage for Sciatica Pain ]
Peppermint oil is a powerful analgesic(3) that can offer relief from the pain caused by a pinched nerve in hip. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the swelling in the area. Many times, the excess pressure on the nerve comes from swelling.
Apply the oil at least twice a day. Apply it just before bed and let it work its magic overnight.
[ Read: Essential Oils for Back Pain ]
Rosemary essential oil has an anti-inflammatory property(4) which can offer great relief from the symptoms of a pinched nerve in hip.
Use this remedy thrice a day for results. You can even leave the oil overnight to increase its efficacy.
An MRI can reveal the presence of a pinched nerve on the hip. |
The bridge is the best exercise for those suffering from any kind of back pain(5), including the one caused by a pinched nerve in the hip flexor. The exercise strengthens the muscles along the spine, abdomen, and glutes. Moreover, it stretches the muscles around the hip to relieve the pressure that causes the pinched nerve.
You can do this exercise four or five times a day or when you feel the pain is increasing.
[ Read: Exercises for Hip Pain ]
The seated twist lengthens and stretches the spine and hip rotators. It also opens up the hip region. The pose can offer considerable relief from a pinched nerve in the hip flexor.
You can do this exercise once every two hours.
[ Read: Yoga for Hip Pain Relief ]
A pinched nerve in the left or right hip can cause your considerable discomfort and pain. The treatments mentioned above are completely safe and also effective. However, if you do not get relief after using them or if the pain becomes worse, you should speak to a doctor or a physiotherapist.
An untreated pinched nerve on the hip can develop into chronic back pain, or the nerve can suffer permanent damage.
Pinched nerves do not go away on their own. You can try the treatments mentioned at home.
Massage is a great way to treat a pinched nerve at the hip. It can relieve some of the tension in the area and relax the muscles.
A pinched nerve in the hip usually heals within a few weeks. However, if you are still experiencing pain after this duration or the pain has increased, do consult a physician.