Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Cervical radiculopathy is more commonly known as a compressed or pinched nerve in the neck. It occurs when there is a compressed, irritated nerve in the neck that branches off of the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arms or hands. The discomfort from a pinched nerve can be severe affecting your ability to drive, work, care for your family, or function normally.

The Anatomy of the Spine

To better understand cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck), it helps to learn more about your spinal anatomy. The spinal column is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae, which form a strong, flexible rod protecting the spinal cord, supporting the head, and providing attachment for the ribs. The spine is comprised of four major components: the vertebrae, facet joints, discs, and nerves.

The neck is the cervical region of the spine, the uppermost part of the spinal column. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

What Causes Pinched Nerve in the Neck?

Main causes of cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck) include:

• A herniated spinal disk that compresses the root nerve
• Degenerative changes

Conditions that can contribute to a pinched nerve in the neck include:

• Injury
• Arthritis
• Overexertion during physical activity
• Repetitive work injuries

Risk factors for a pinched nerve in the neck include:

• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged bed rest

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

A pinched nerve in the neck may cause you to feel:

• Numbness into the arm and/or hand
• Sharp, burning pain that radiates peripherally (outwards)
• Sensations of pins and needles (medically called paresthesia)
• Muscle weakness of the arm and/or hand
• Frequently noticing that your arm or hand has “fallen asleep”

Symptoms may be worse while you’re resting or sleeping depending on the position of your head.

Diagnosing Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Most people recover from a pinched nerve in the neck with rest and other nonsurgical treatments within a few days or weeks. If you are experiencing pinched nerve in the neck symptoms that do not resolve within a few days or weeks, you should seek care from your primary care doctor or consult with a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Your doctor will take your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your neck, shoulder, arms, and hands – looking for muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or any change in your reflexes. Your doctor will measure your range of motion to identify maneuvers that provoke your pain. Your doctor will also order imaging tests.

• X-rays: Cervical x-rays to evaluate the bony structures and alignment of your neck
• MRI: Cervical MRI to evaluate your spinal cord discs and ligaments.
• CT: CT scan may pre ordered to further evaluate the bony structures. This is more commonly a preoperative study.
• Nerve conduction / EMG (electromyogram): This study may be ordered to measure electrical nerve impulses in the functioning muscles and nerves to determine if your nerve is being affected in your spine or in your extremity. This study can show your orthopedic spine surgeon whether you have a damaged nerve. Electromyography (EMG) tests can evaluate the electrical activity of the muscles as they contract versus while at rest. The results of these tests indicate whether there is damage to the nerve leading to a muscle.

Treatments for Pinched Nerve in the Neck

If your doctor determines you have a pinched nerve in the neck, they will recommend you stop any activities that cause or irritate the nerve compression. Treatments for pinched nerves in the neck begin with conservative options.

• Physical therapy is a conservative treatment option that can teach patients how to strengthen, stretch, and heal the muscles in the area where the nerve is compressed. The physical therapist may recommend neck exercises for you. Ergonomic recommendations may also be made. These are recommendations on positioning to minimize risk of injury.
• Medication: Your doctor may advise you to take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescribe oral corticosteroids or oral anti-convulsants to relieve pain.
• Injections: Your spine surgeon or pain management specialist may recommend a steroid injection to target the affected nerve and reduce local inflammation for severe pain or pain not relieved by conservative measures. Options include epidural injections or a selective facet joint injection. Although steroid injections do not relieve pressure on the nerve caused by disc or bony compression lessening the swelling and relieve pain long enough to allow the nerve to recover.

Surgical Options for Pinched Nerve in the Neck:

Surgery for pinched nerves may be necessary if your condition doesn’t improve within a few months of conservative treatments. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the pinched nerve and the underlying conditions causing the pinched nerve. Surgery may entail removing bone spurs, a portion of a herniated spinal disk, or other techniques to relieve pressure from the compressed nerve.

When to See a Doctor for a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

A pinched nerve in the neck usually resolves itself within a few days or weeks. However, if the cervical nerve pain does not diminish within a month or so, or you are suffering severe pain, it is wise to consult a your doctor or a fellowship trained spine surgeon.

Prompt medical attention needs to be sought if you are experiencing:

• Weakness / loss of strength to the arm or hands
• Severe pain
• Difficulty walking
• Bowel or bladder difficulties

If your cervical nerve pain is the result of any type of trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or fall, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention.

Hoag Orthopedic is the one of the only exclusively orthopedic and spine care centers on the West Coast. We are ranked as 2024-2025 Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in Orthopedics and ranked High Performing in Spinal Fusion.

Our board-certified cervical spine surgeons will assess the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck via testing and will devise an individualized treatment plan.

Contact us at Hoag Orthopedic Institute today!

Ready to book an appointment for pinched nerve treatment in Orange County? Simply dial (949) 705-6493 to book an appointment with our orthopedic hospital.

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