Pinched nerve -wait for GP or urgent care? (Not a&e)

[purpleheartsandroses]

Not an AIBU. But a WWYD.

I think I've pinched a nerve in my neck. Yesterday started painful and got worse throughout the day. Ibruprofen + paracetamol not even touching the sides. Alternating hot/cold packs and rest.

It's even worse today. I'm in agony. Pain shooting down to my elbow.

If I go to the GP they can prescribe stronger pain relief but they won't see me till Monday. (Filled in the online form, sent me an appointment link but earliest is Monday.)

If I go to urgent care they can X-ray and do pain relief.
(I won't waste a&e's time with it. I'm well aware it's not that urgent).

I feel like GP is the proper route, but I'm in agony. I don't think I can wait till Monday.

WWYD?

Urgent care are unlikely to investigate this. Have you spoken to a pharmacist about pain relief?

There's general information here

patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/neck-pain

Probably not and don't really think it needs investigating. I just need stronger painkillers than I can get OTC.

Afaik pharmacy can only give OTC cocodamol.

You can get naproxen OTC which may be helpful

I had a compressed nerve in my neck last year - saw a physio and had treatment on this stretching machine that ultimately sorted it out. As painkillers I initially tried all sorts thinking it was muscular, and did get some naproxen from an online pharmacy but it didn't do much. My sister who used to be a GP recommended I contact mine and ask for gabapentin, which is more targeted at nerve pain. I don't know how much it helped, the stretching machine is what did most good, but would recommend looking into that.

If you’re going to wait til your go appointment speak to a pharmacist. You can but cocodamol over the counter either 8/500mg or 12.8/500mg (solpedeine max) if needed. You can also get ibuprofen that contains codeine if that would be better.
if you’re up to it try gentle stretches and try to keep moving rather than guarding it.

Would you try a physio or osteopath?

That is always my first place to go. I am currently doing regular nerve flossing for my horrendously painful elbow. It's making a real difference.

A good osteo would be able to release the pain somewhat.

Have you tried cocodamol? I'd keep icing it.

Urgent care. Don't self-diagnose.

You're better off self refering to a physio or ringing your GP to refer you

Tbh for a trapped nerve I'd stretch it out myself.

Heat not ice is best for this type of trapped nerve

I rang the GP in the end to ask for sooner and got a 9am appointment tomorrow. So just gotta push through another 12 hours.

I'm trying gentle stretches/alternating hot & cold/keeping dosed with OTC.