Hi there. Management of pinched nerve symptoms would include conditioning and exercise, an exercise program including stretching and strengthening, cortisone injections, ice therapy as cold gel pack or wrapped in towel, never direct or longer than 20 mins, heat therapy to increase circulation to the affected area. This is most effective to treat muscular problems, and can be applied with a heating pad but hot wet towel. Medications like over the counter pain medications, anti inflammatory and muscle relaxants. Take care.
Is a heating pad good for a pinch. Nerve
C1 - 2 doesn't have anything to do with the radial nerve. Pain and sensory loss in the thumb and index finger can often be attributed to a problem at C5-6. Carpal Tunnel can create pain in the hand as well. Swelling could be several things, do you have pain, tingling?