Pinched Nerve in the Neck: Causes, Symptoms & Conservative Treatment
Neck Pain, Arm Pain, Numbness & Tingling in Porter Ranch and Northridge, CA Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch, CA A pinched or irritated nerve in the neck can cause much more than neck pain. Symptoms may travel from the cervical spine into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers. The medical term commonly used for this condition is cervical radiculopathy. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve in the NeckSymptoms can include:
Learn more about common causes of neck pain. What Causes a Pinched or Irritated Nerve?Common causes include:
Muscle spasm, joint dysfunction, soft-tissue irritation, posture problems, and other musculoskeletal conditions can produce similar symptoms. That is why a proper examination matters. What About a Bulging Disc?A bulging or herniated cervical disc can irritate a nerve root and produce genuine cervical radiculopathy. But finding a disc bulge on an MRI does not automatically mean that the disc explains every symptom. This is an important principle when interpreting spinal imaging: Treat the Patient — Not Just the MRII discuss this concept in more detail here: You Have a Bulging Disc on MRI—But Is It Really Causing Your Pain? Although that article discusses the lumbar spine, the important principle applies to spinal evaluation generally: imaging findings must be compared with the patient's symptoms and examination findings. How Do We Evaluate a Possible Pinched Nerve? At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we look beyond the painful area. Depending on the patient's symptoms, an examination may include:
Conservative Treatment for Cervical RadiculopathyMany cases of cervical radiculopathy can initially be managed conservatively. Depending on the examination and diagnosis, treatment may include:
The American Academy of Family Physicians discusses physical therapy involving strengthening and stretching, with traction potentially useful in selected cases of cervical radiculopathy. You can also read my article explaining how to use home neck traction more safely and effectively. Don't Treat Every Pinched Nerve the Same WayA pinched or irritated nerve may be related to a disc, degeneration, narrowing around the nerve, or a combination of factors. At the same time, a patient may also have: Muscle Spasm + Joint Restriction + Poor Posture + Weakness + Nerve Irritation For this reason, I prefer looking at the whole mechanical picture, rather than focusing on only one structure. Explore our approach to neck pain and neck muscle spasms. When a Pinched Nerve Needs Medical AttentionSeek prompt medical evaluation for symptoms such as:
Pinched Nerve Treatment in Porter Ranch & Northridge, CAIf you have neck pain, shoulder pain, pain traveling into your arm, numbness, tingling, or suspected cervical radiculopathy, the first step is determining what may actually be causing the symptoms. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, our goal is to evaluate the joints, muscles, posture, movement, discs, and neurological findings rather than simply treating the painful area. Ready to Find Out What's Irritating Your Nerve?Soft Touch Chiropractic Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC 11145 Tampa Ave., Suite 14A Northridge, CA 91326 Call 818-831-0100 to schedule an evaluation. Serving Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, and surrounding San Fernando Valley communities. Don't Just Chase the Pain. Find the Cause. |
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rel=”author”>Masoud Shamaeizadeh
