Pinched nerve in the neck is an umbrella term for any spinal condition that compresses nerves exiting the spine and causes symptoms in the region that particular spinal nerve exits to. This can include structural problems like disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, and disc degeneration or the formation of bone spurs, cysts in the spine joints, or tumors. These problems can cause narrowing of the foramen on the vertebral bodies, leading to symptoms below.
Pinched nerve symptoms
Pinched nerve symptoms may range from mild to severe. It’s also possible to have a pinched nerve without any symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
pins and needles
muscle weakness
burning sensation
numbness
pain that radiates outward
pain when moving your neck or head
poor neck range of motion
Treatment plan for a pinched nerve
Radicular pain and radiculopathy caused by a pinched nerve can typically be relieved by nonsurgical treatments. Some initial pinched nerve treatment may include:
Short period of rest or modified activities to avoid irritating the nerve and causing a flare-up of symptoms
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
Heat or ice applications for 15 or 20 minutes at a time, with a 2-hour break between applications to protect skin
Physical therapy to improve the neck or back’s strength, flexibility, and posture, which may relieve nerve inflammation
Epidural steroid injections to bathe inflamed nerve in anti-inflammatory medication
Chiropractic care including cervical traction to help alleviate cervical radiculopathy
In rare cases when symptoms have not responded to 6 or 12 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, or you have severe weakness or intractable pain, surgery may be considered.
Visit a doctor if you have symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiate into the arm or leg. The sooner you seek medical attention, the sooner you can receive an accurate diagnosis and start an effective treatment plan.
