There are several avenues that you can take. I am sure that your Dr. will give them to you but here's what I know from experience (either personal or from family members).
1. cortisone injections- good short term but can cause more damage in the long run, also depends on where nerve pain is.
2. nerve root block- painful at first especially the injection site. Again can cause more damage because you don't feel the nerve saying knock it off there is something wrong.
3. traction- good especially for legs and lower back and neck. It takes pressure off that nerve area and provides relief at least for a little while.
4. chiropractic care- very good especially if you have one that will combine traction and massage with it. Just be cautious that you do not get one that is too harsh.
5. massage- always good. reduces the swelling and removes toxins from tensed up areas. If you can not handle a chiroprator a massage therapist is usually more gentile and yet can go as deep tissue as you would like. Relieving pressure from many areas.
6. meds. - Anti-inflamitories- Celebrex, Advil, Ibuprofrin, ect... good to relieve swelling. Muscle relaxants -Flexeril for example is good to reduce stressand tession from the muscle (like the word muscle relaxant wasn't self explanatory). Pain med. - Lortab, percocet, ect good for if nothing else to put you on another demension
. For example cloud 9 who cares about the pain your head is no longer attached to your body so good night.
Basically if you go into a Dr. office these are the most popular options they will give you. If they go straight for surgury. Get up wobble out the door and don't look back. Find another Dr. the knife is the last thing you want. It maybe what you need but it should not be the first option offered.
Hope this helps Rachel