Jordan Sudberg Pinched Nerves

Jordan Sudberg on Pinched Nerves: How Long Do They Last and What You Can Do

Whether it hits suddenly after a long day at your desk or slowly creeps in over weeks of repetitive movement, a pinched nerve can be disruptive and painful. These nerves, compressed by surrounding tissue such as bones, cartilage, or muscles, can produce sharp pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates through the body.

But how long do these symptoms last? Is recovery possible without surgery? And what’s the best way to manage the discomfort?

To answer these questions, we turned to Jordan Sudberg, a board-certified pain management specialist with extensive experience treating nerve-related conditions. His insight brings clarity and reassurance to those struggling with this common yet complex condition.

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is placed on a nerve by surrounding tissues—commonly bones, muscles, tendons, or discs. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Jordan Sudberg explains:

“Think of a nerve like a highway of communication between your brain and body. When it’s compressed or irritated, the signals can get disrupted, leading to localized or radiating symptoms.”

Common Locations of Pinched Nerves:

  • Neck (cervical radiculopathy)
  • Lower back (lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica)
  • Shoulder or rotator cuff
  • Wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • Elbow (ulnar nerve entrapment)

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves can stem from a variety of causes, including:

  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Bone spurs
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Poor posture
  • Obesity
  • Inflammation from arthritis

In some cases, even sleeping in an awkward position can trigger temporary nerve compression.

How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Last?

Here’s where many people want a definitive answer. According to Dr. Sudberg, the duration of a pinched nerve varies based on the severity, cause, and treatment approach.

“In most mild cases, a pinched nerve may resolve within a few days to a few weeks with conservative care. But if the pressure continues or the nerve remains irritated, it can last for months and may become chronic,” he says.

General Guidelines:

  • Mild cases: 1–2 weeks with rest and proper ergonomics
  • Moderate cases: 4–6 weeks with physical therapy and medication
  • Severe or chronic cases: 8+ weeks; may require injections or surgical consultation

Signs You’re Healing—and When You’re Not

The healing process often begins with a reduction in pain, followed by the return of normal function and strength.

Signs of recovery include:

  • Less tingling or burning
  • Improved range of motion
  • Decreasing numbness or weakness
  • Ability to return to light activity without flare-ups

However, Dr. Sudberg warns that if symptoms persist or worsen, professional intervention is crucial.

“Nerve damage that isn’t addressed early can lead to long-term impairment. If you experience muscle atrophy, persistent numbness, or bowel/bladder changes, it’s time to escalate care.”

 

How Is a Pinched Nerve Diagnosed?

If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, Dr. Sudberg recommends seeing a medical provider for an evaluation.

Diagnostic steps include:

  • Medical history and physical exam
  • Neurological testing (reflexes, strength, and sensation)
  • Imaging: MRI or CT scan to assess disc or bone pressure
  • Electromyography (EMG) to test nerve and muscle function

These tests help pinpoint the exact location and severity of the nerve compression.

Treatment Options: Relieving Pressure and Restoring Function

There is good news: most pinched nerves do not require surgery. Dr. Sudberg emphasizes a tiered approach that starts with conservative therapies and progresses only as needed.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Temporarily avoiding activities that worsen the condition allows inflammation to subside.

“It’s important to rest—but not completely immobilize—the affected area,” Dr. Sudberg says. “Gentle motion helps circulation and healing.”

2. Physical Therapy

A customized PT program can relieve pressure on the nerve by improving posture, flexibility, and muscular support.

Common PT strategies include:

  • Stretching
  • Postural alignment
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Ergonomic education

3. Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription medications can reduce inflammation and pain.

  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Oral corticosteroids
  • Neuropathic pain relievers (e.g., gabapentin)

4. Epidural Steroid Injections

In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections near the nerve root can reduce swelling and pain, especially in spinal conditions like sciatica or herniated discs.

Dr. Sudberg explains:

“Injections don’t cure the problem but can offer relief while you engage in physical therapy and long-term correction.”

5. Surgical Intervention

When conservative treatments fail and nerve compression is severe, surgery may be considered.

Common procedures:

  • Microdiscectomy (removal of herniated disc material)
  • Laminectomy (removal of bone or tissue compressing the nerve)
  • Carpal tunnel release

Surgery is typically a last resort after 6–12 weeks of unsuccessful non-surgical therapy.

 

Preventing Future Pinched Nerves

Once you’ve healed, it’s important to reduce your risk of recurrence.

Dr. Sudberg recommends these habits:

  • Ergonomic workstation setup
  • Daily stretching
  • Maintaining healthy weight
  • Regular strength training
  • Proper lifting techniques

“Most pinched nerves are preventable with proactive body mechanics and muscle balance,” he adds.

 

When to Seek Immediate Help

While many cases resolve on their own, Dr. Sudberg stresses there are red flags that should prompt immediate medical attention:

  • Sudden weakness in the arms or legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Severe, unrelenting pain that disrupts sleep or function
  • Signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness near the spine or joint)

Final Thoughts: Don’t Suffer in Silence

A pinched nerve can be frightening and painful—but it’s also highly treatable. With timely care, most people recover fully and return to their normal routines.

Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that early intervention is key:

“The sooner we identify the root cause, the faster we can relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Pain is your body’s signal—don’t ignore it.”

About Jordan Sudberg

Jordan Sudberg is a board-certified pain management specialist dedicated to non-invasive and interventional solutions for nerve pain, musculoskeletal issues, and chronic conditions. He uses a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to help individuals reclaim their quality of life.