Pinched Nerve in the Neck

A pinched nerve isn’t exactly a medical term. It’s just the most common way to discuss a condition known as nerve compression or nerve impingement. Nerve impingement neck troubles are typically the result of the stress and movement that your neck constantly endures.

You have nerves that run from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. These are the nerves that carry all of the important messages between your brain and body. Pinched nerve neck pain is usually your body’s way of warning you that there’s a problem. It’s important not to ignore your pain or symptoms. And while some nerve compression can’t be reversed, it can be managed. The earlier your condition is diagnosed by your Manhattan pain specialist, the sooner you can find relief.

What Are the Symptoms?

Pinched nerve neck pain can take several different forms. You may be experiencing a slight tweak in your neck or you could be having problems with numbness and tingling in your hands or feet. The pain can range from mildly uncomfortable to positively excruciating. The most commonly reported symptoms include:

Pain at the actual site of the compressed nerve
Headaches at the base of your skull
Headaches that seem centered behind your eyes or ears
Pain in your temples
Pain at the bottom of your neck or top of your shoulders
Pain, weakness, or numbness in your arms, fingers or thumbs

Certain movements, like turning your head or straining your neck, can make your symptoms worse. Sometimes, just taking it easy can relieve your symptoms. But more severe cases require medical attention or surgical procedures.

A Real Pain in the Neck

Your nerves are at their most fragile at the points in your body where they travel through narrow openings with very little soft tissue to protect them.

Your nerves can become pressed between your body’s natural tissues such as:

Bones
Ligaments
Tendons

If there is pressure on your nerve where it exits your spine, the resulting pain can feel as if it’s radiating into other parts of your body. Changes to your spine also cause compression. If you experience a herniated disc, for example, the pressure on your spinal nerve can be intense and lead to conditions such as:

Peripheral neuropathy
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis elbow

If left untreated, the protective barrier around your nerve can become damaged. This can cause fluid to build up, resulting in:

Swelling
Extra pressure
Scarring

When this happens, it can actually interfere with the way your nerve functions. Your doctor knows how to treat a pinched nerve in the neck, but it requires special consideration because of the additional pressure and lack of protection.

Pinched Nerve Treatment Neck Alternatives

How to treat a pinched nerve in the neck is a decision for you and our sports medical professional to reach together. A pinched nerve in the neck treatment varies from case to case; it depends specifically on your individual needs. Nerve impingement neck pain differs because it’s based on the nerve that’s affected and the severity of the compression. Treatment for a pinched nerve in the neck includes:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
Oral corticosteroids for a pinched nerve in neck treatment to relieve pain and reduce swelling
Steroid injections for pinched nerve treatment neck problems to reduce your swelling and allow your inflamed nerves to heal
Physical therapy in conjunction with other types of treatment for a pinched nerve in the neck stretches and strengthens the muscles in your neck, and can significantly relieve the pressure on your nerve
Splints or soft collars restrict your range of motion and allow your muscles and nerves a chance to rest and recover
Surgery for pinched nerve treatment neck problems, only when your condition has advanced beyond less invasive treatment methods

How to Relief Pinched Nerves in the Neck

Just taking some time off from the strenuous activities that aggravate your condition can make a world of difference. However, if your condition doesn’t improve with rest, it’s time to contact qualified, medical professionals in New York City.

You may need treatment to help reduce the swelling in your tissues. It may even be necessary to remove any material that’s applying pressure to your nerve. Everyone responds differently to a treatment. Working with a leading medical expert ensures that you receive the gold standard of care. When your quality of life is on the line, you can’t afford to take chances.

Febin Melepura, MD is a top rated, best in class interventional pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New York City and the country. He is an award winning expert and contributor to a prominent media outlets.

Dr. Febin Melepura has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain and, among other accolades, has been named a “top pain management doctor in New York”, and one of “America’s Top Doctors™” for an advanced sports injury treatments.