What is the normal amount of time for a pinched nerve to heal?

Pinched nerve: Pinched nerve is a term used to described nerve compression. It's difficult to say how long it takes to get better. Some of the compression can get better within days while others can become chronic.

Weeks to months: Can take a few weeks to a few months. Two things happen: 1. Whatever "pinches" the nerve (a protruding disc, a thickened ligament) may scar down and gradually retract away from the nerve. 2. The nerve can reduce some of the myelin sheath and "thin itself" to "fit into the tight spot". This is why majority of nerve compressions (sciatica etc) do not need surgical intervention after all.

6 weeks: The majority of patients will have resolution of pain from a herniated disc causing pain in 6 weeks. Check out spine-health.com.