If you have ever experienced a lingering feeling of numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in your neck, arms or legs, chances are you have had, or currently suffer from, a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve can result from compression of a particular nerve or series of nerves by cartilage, muscles, tendons, and even bones. A pinched nerve in neck can be especially painful if not properly addressed and treated.
Pinched Nerve in Neck Symptoms
A pinched nerve in neck can produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The following is a list of potential symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or any not mentioned here that are unique to your situation, contact your doctor or health care professional.
- Numbness, tingling, burning, “buzzing” sensation
- Sharp radiating pain
- Paresthesia (pins and needles sensation)
- Feeling like the affected area has fallen asleep
- Feeling of weakness in the affected area
Exercises
The key to resolving a pinched nerve in the neck is to strengthen the muscles in your neck and back. Stretching is the best form of exercise because it is low impact and will not add to your pain.
Stretching Exercise #1
Sit in chair keeping neck, shoulders and back straight. Tilt head to the left and then to the right. Repeat as many times as you are able.
Stretching Exercise #2
Sit in a chair placing hands behind head. Roll head down (chin to chest) and towards the right. Repeat exercise to the left side. Repeat as many times as you are able.
Maintaining good posture and healthy weight are key to preventing a pinched nerve.
Pinched Nerve in Neck Treatment
A number of modalities exist when it comes to treatment of a pinched nerve. Most often, your doctor or health care professional will prescribe rest of the affected area. If, after your period of rest has ended and you still do not feel like the problem has resolved, you may be referred for a course of physical therapy. Physical therapy is a regiment of exercises intended to target the problem area. If no relief is experienced, you may be prescribed one of two types of medications: Corticosteroid injections or analgesics.
Corticosteroid injections are used to minimize pain and swelling of the affected area. Analgesics, on the other hand, are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These steroid-free medications also help to reduce swelling and inflammation around the affected nerve. Finally, surgery may be recommended as a last resort if you do not experience any relief from more conservative treatment paths. The type of surgery will be recommended based on the location of the affected area as well as the results of such diagnostics as an MRI.