How long does a pinched nerve last in the lower back? 5 factors that matter
- KC Rehab Team
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Nerves branch out to all areas of your body. When a nerve root in your spinal column gets pinched, you may feel symptoms in several other areas. This issue can yield a host of symptoms, but it depends largely on which nerve is affected and how severely it's compressed.
The healing time for a pinched nerve in your lower back is usually anywhere from a few days to six weeks. In this article, we'll cover what to expect when you have a pinched nerve in your lower back and key factors that could impact your recovery time.
How to heal a pinched nerve in your back
When a nerve is pinched between the vertebrae in your lower back, the symptoms are referred to as lumbar radiculopathy (identifying an issue in the lumbar region of your spinal cord). These particular nerves affect movement and sensation in your lower limbs, so you may feel pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in your back, as well as your:
Legs, hips and thighs
Ankles and feet
Groin area
Buttocks
5 factors that affect how long a pinched nerve lasts
For many patients, intensive medical care isn't necessary. All they need is a little time to rest with an ice pack or heating pad. Your doctor may also recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers to help ease discomfort or wearing a back brace to stabilize your spine as the nerve heals.
The healing time for a pinched nerve in your lower back can be up to six weeks. However, this depends on the underlying issue, the patient's overall health, whether they need surgery and other factors. Here are some key points that may affect your recovery:
1. Your spinal diagnosis
It's common for a pinched nerve to be diagnosed as an age-related issue, since your spine naturally becomes more susceptible to injury as time passes. It can also be caused by poor posture, repetitive movements and other activities that change your spinal alignment. However, a pinched lumbar nerve could also be the result of a deeper issue that affects recovery time and recurrence risk, such as:
Bone spurs
Herniated discs
Lumbar stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Foraminal stenosis
Certain infections
Compression fracture
Arthritis
2. How well you follow your treatment plan
Your provider may recommend several treatments to help you recover, and sticking to the plan increases your chances of a smooth, timely recovery. This means going to your appointments as well as following any at-home care instructions. Whether it's practicing good posture at work or incorporating more physical activity into your daily life, adhering to your health care provider's treatment plan can make a difference in your recovery and help reduce the risk of future pinched nerves.
3. Starting a physical therapy program
Physical therapy is often recommended for people experiencing persistent lumbar radiculopathy that hasn't improved with at-home care. In this case, your practitioner will create a treatment plan that focuses on reducing pain and improving mobility. These treatments may include:
Hands-on approaches like manual therapy or joint mobilization
Targeted stretches to prevent stiffness and improve range of motion
McKenzie Method® exercises that help reduce spinal compression and nerve irritation
Aquatic therapy exercises in warm water that take the pressure off your spine
Dry needling to release underlying trigger points in your back
4. Paying attention to your body
No matter the task, always pay attention to what your body tells you. If you feel your symptoms worsen during recovery or return soon after you've healed, be sure to mention it to your provider. They can adjust your treatment plan accordingly and recommend helpful lifestyle changes to address them.
5. Making key lifestyle changes
Patient education is a key component of physical therapy. They don't just help you understand your current condition and treatment plan—the goal is to also prevent future risk of injury. As you recover, your physical therapist may recommend a few long-term prevention strategies. For example, they can teach you how to perform daily activities in ways that better support your spine, improve your body mechanics and avoid movements that put undue stress on your spine.
During your recovery period, they may ask you to start incorporating some of these modifications into your daily routine. In doing so, you'll promote better health and get used to taking care of your spine in new ways long after you've healed.
Let KC Rehab help you heal a pinched nerve in your lower back
At KC Rehab, we understand how lower back pain and other symptoms can affect your quality of life and we're here to help you recover as quickly as possible. Our experienced team of physical therapists can help you manage your symptoms, as well as the underlying issue behind your discomfort. We're located throughout the Kansas City Metro area, so you can receive the cutting-edge care you need close to home.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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