Dealing with a pinched neck nerve can cause major discomfort and hinder your day-to-day activities. Understanding the causes and treatment options for cervical pain and numbness is the first step to alleviating your discomfort.
Here, we will discuss the common causes of the condition, options for managing a pinched nerve effectively, and when it might be time to consider more advanced treatments, such as minimally invasive surgery.
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy, more commonly referred to as a pinched nerve in the neck, occurs when nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck region) become compressed. This compression can happen for several reasons, such as spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal), an injury, or a herniated disc (when a spinal disc bulges and presses against a nerve). However, the most common cause of a pinched nerve in the neck is degenerative changes that occur in the spine through wear and tear as we age – known as osteoarthritis of the neck or cervical spondylosis.
A pinched nerve in the neck can affect people differently and result in a range of symptoms, including:
- Sharp or burning type pain in the neck that may get worse with certain movements or towards the end of the day
- Radiating pain that travels to the arms, shoulders, chest, or upper back
- Numbness or a tingling (pins and needles) sensation
- Weakened reflexes
- Muscle weakness
You may experience any combination of the above symptoms or only one.
Diagnosing and Treating Cervical Radiculopathy
In some cases, a pinched nerve may get better on its own without any specific treatment, but if symptoms persist, you should visit your healthcare provider for further investigation and treatment.
Diagnosing cervical radiculopathy involves a comprehensive examination. Your healthcare provider will gather a detailed medical history, including information about symptoms, their duration, and any activities that may exacerbate or alleviate the discomfort. A physical exam follows, assessing the neck’s range of motion, reflexes, strength, and sensation in the hands and arms.
Further diagnostic tests may be required to definitively identify cervical radiculopathy. These could include:
- An X-ray to examine the bones and identify any potential issues with the cervical spine’s alignment.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan to provide a detailed view of the spine, highlighting issues such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Electromyography (EMG) tests to evaluate the electrical activity of the muscles, further helping to pinpoint whether the symptoms stem from a pinched nerve in the neck.
Because symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary and affect each individual differently, your treatment plan will be unique to your situation. There are a variety of treatment options to consider, including:
- Immobilization
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Cervical epidural steroid injections
- Surgery
In many cases, a pinched nerve can be managed successfully through conservative treatment methods. But if nonsurgical treatment isn’t working, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery.
Immobilization for Neck Pain
Initially, your healthcare provider may recommend immobilization to alleviate symptoms. Immobilization involves wearing a soft cervical collar (neck brace) to minimize neck movement and reduce nerve root irritation. This is only recommended for short-term management to prevent muscle loss in the neck.
Medication to Relieve Pain and Inflammation
Over the counter and prescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or oral corticosteroids can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation around the pinched nerve.
Managing Your Pinched Neck Nerve with Physical Therapy
Another primary method for addressing cervical pain and numbness is physical therapy. A physical therapist can create a customized treatment plan that includes stretches, exercises, and postural corrections to help relieve the pressure on your pinched neck nerve. These techniques can help improve mobility and spine stability, alleviate pain, and reduce the frequency of recurrence in many patients.
Epidural Steroid Injections for Pinched Nerve Pain Relief
When conservative treatments like physical therapy fail to provide relief, your doctor may recommend considering epidural steroid injections. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space, surrounding the affected nerve root. Epidural steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with cervical radiculopathy. While these injections are not a permanent solution, they can provide temporary relief, allowing patients to participate in physical therapy or other rehabilitation activities more comfortably.
When Is It Time to Consider Surgery?
If conservative treatment methods fail to provide satisfactory relief from cervical pain and numbness, your doctor may recommend considering surgical intervention. Two common surgical procedures for addressing cervical radiculopathy include cervical laminoforaminotomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
Cervical Laminoforaminotomy
This minimally invasive surgery involves the removal of a small portion of the lamina (the bony arch that covers the spinal canal) and foramen (the opening between the vertebrae where the spinal nerves exit the spine) to alleviate pressure on the affected nerve root. This procedure preserves the stability of the spine and is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
More invasive than the cervical laminoforaminotomy, ACDF involves removing the damaged disc that is causing the pinched nerve and replacing it with a bone graft or artificial disc. After the disc is removed, the vertebrae are fused together to provide stability to the spine. This is typically performed when there is significant instability of the cervical spine or when other less invasive treatments have been fully explored and fail to provide adequate relief.
A pinched nerve in your neck can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but there are multiple options for managing the discomfort and improving your quality of life. Whether you choose physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, or surgery, it is important to work closely with your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. With proper treatment and care, many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and are able to return to their normal activities. So don’t let a pinched neck nerve hold you back any longer – explore your treatment options and take control of your cervical pain and numbness today!
Pinched Neck Nerve Treatments in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Royal Oak, Michigan
If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched neck nerve, contact Ahlgren Spine for expert care. Dr. Ahlgren and his team provide effective diagnosis and a wide range of treatments for orthopedic spinal injuries and conditions. We utilize state-of-the-art technology and the most advanced surgical and noninvasive techniques to relieve your symptoms, restore function, and get you back to your normal, active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
To learn more about the services we offer or schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or alternatively, you can use our online request form to arrange your visit. We welcome your call!
