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I Have a Pinched Nerve in My Neck. Now What?

Pinched nerves, aka impinged or compressed nerves, conjure up images of screaming pain and loss of function. That’s an apt description, as pinching occurs when a structure in or near the spinal column applies too much pressure on a nerve or nerve root, sending pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling along the length of the nerve into an extremity, such as the arm and hand. This perceived motion is called radiculopathy.

Pinched nerves are also very common... mostly in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions of the spine, as they see the most action. And they’re most common in men and women over 50 because of age-related spinal degeneration.

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 Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy most commonly involves C6 and C7 nerve roots. Cervical nerve roots exit above their corresponding pedicles (except C8) ventrolaterally through the neuroforamen which makes them vulnerable to injury. Spondylosis and disk degeneration leading to foraminal narrowing (70-75%) and herniated nucleus pulposus (22%) are the more common pathologies for non-traumatic mechanical compression. Local ischemic effects and the inflammatory cascade play a large role in the natural progression of the condition through activation of a pathway triggering pain via sensitization of the nociceptive fibers.

 Cervical radiculopathy: 'It's the decision, not the incision' that dictates outcomes

"For these patients, surgical risk and suffering or limitations during the healing phase are offset by symptom relief," he says. "These are my favorite patients to treat. Typically, we share a high-five moment post-surgery, as pain is relieved. The patient knows they made the right decision and received appropriate care."

Articles of Interest

Cervical Radiculopathy - Pinched Nerve: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment & More

Cervical radiculopathy is a medical condition in which a nerve root near the cervical vertebrae gets compressed and it either damages the nerve or changes the way in which the nerve usually works. The condition is commonly known as a pinched nerve.

Cervical Radiculopathy as a Hidden Cause of Angina: Cervicogenic Angina

Cervicogenic angina (CA) is defined as paroxysmal angina-like pain that originates from the disorders of the cervical spine or other neck structures [4]. Because CA mimics typical cardiac angina, symptoms in the elderly with cervical spondylosis are more frequently misdiagnosed

Cervical Radiculopathy Focus on Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis

Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. It mainly presents with neck and arm pain, sensory loss, motor dysfunction, and reflex changes according to the dermatomal distribution. The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are cervical disc herniation and cervical spondylosis.

Cervical Radiculopathy- Everything You Need to Know

A cervical radiculopathy is a concern when the nerve leaves the spinal canal irritated. This condition typically occurs when a herniated disk or bone spur is pinched onto a nerve root.

Cervical Radiculopathy: A Review

Cervical radiculopathy is defined as a syndrome of pain and/or sensorimotor deficits due to compression of a cervical nerve root. Understanding of this disease is vital for rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients with this condition, facilitating their recovery and return to regular activity.

Neck Nerves In a Pinch: Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine is pinched, inflamed, or damaged, resulting in symptoms such as numbness, altered reflexes, or weakness. Added pressure can be put on spinal nerve roots when bone spurs develop as the padding and space between vertebrae decreases. The effects of radiculopathy can radiate from the neck to the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers, causing pins-and-needles tingling and pain that can vary from achiness to shock-like or burning.

Pinched Nerve in Neck (Cervical Radiculopathy)

When a disc or vertebrae in your cervical spine (the upper part of your spine in your neck) squeeze a nerve, this can result in radiating pain, weakness, numbness, and more. This condition is called cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve in the neck. In the vast majority of cases, cervical radiculopathy can be treated non-surgically.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves in the neck have a range of causes, only some of which are preventable. For example, pinched cervical nerves can be caused by acute trauma, herniated discs, spinal arthritis, micro-degeneration from years of physical activity, or wear and tear exacerbated by things like poor posture, being overweight, or smoking (which can affect the stability of the spinal column).

Radiculopathy: Far Beyond Neck Pain

Many spinal issues and conditions can result in pressure that pinches spinal nerves. Physical issues that can cause radiculopathy include disc herniation, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis. You can also develop radiculopathy as a result of arthritis.

Resources

Physiopedia

Cervical radiculopathy is a disease process marked by nerve compression from herniated disk material or arthritic bone spurs. This impingement typically produces neck and radiating arm pain or numbness, sensory deficits, or motor dysfunction in the neck and upper extremities.

StatPearls

Neck pain is a prevalent issue that can cause significant pain and disability. Up to 40% of work absenteeism is due to individuals with a history of neck pain. Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spine is compressed or impeded, leading to pain that can spread beyond the neck and into the arm, chest, shoulders, and upper back.