Pinched Neck Nerve Symptoms

Some nerves extend from your brain and spinal cord that send messages throughout your body. When a nerve is pinched, minor or severe damage can result. It can result in temporary or long-lasting problems. The earlier you address nerve compression, the quicker you will find relief. Dr. Han Jo Kim specializes in handling pinched neck nerves and can provide neck pain treatment on Long Island through surgery or nonsurgical treatment options. Continue reading to learn the signs and symptoms of a pinched neck nerve.

Causes of a Pinched Neck Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when compression or irritation is put on the nerve connected to the neck where it branches away from the spinal cord, resulting in neck pain. Nerves are located in vulnerable places in the body and travel through narrow spaces with little soft tissue to protect them. Therefore, nerve compression can occur when the nerve is pressed between ligaments, tendons, or bones. Pinched neck nerves can also occur due to degenerative changes or an injury that causes a herniated disk. Degenerative changes include arthritis in the disks of the spine that wear down and begin to bulge as we age. A herniated disk can also bulge out towards the spinal canal. Herniated disks can result from heavy lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting motions. 

neck pain treatment on long island

Symptoms of a Pinched Neck Nerve

Pain in the neck is often the main symptom of a pinched neck nerve. Pain can worsen with specific movements such as turning your head or straining your neck. The longevity of pain and other symptoms can differ from person to person. To treat pain associated with a pinched neck nerve, seek neck pain treatment on Long Island. Additional symptoms that can occur alongside pain include the following:

  • Numbness/tingling in the arm or hand
  • Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Loss of sensation in the arm or hand 

Pinched Nerve Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

When getting a physical examination to see if you have a pinched neck nerve, the doctor will first ask for your medical history and symptoms. They will then evaluate your neck, shoulder, arms, neck muscles, spinal nerve and hands for muscle weakness, sensation loss, or reflex changes. Our doctor can then carry out tests to confirm your diagnosis. Some tests that can be administered during neck pain treatment on Long Island include:

  • X-rays
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
  • Electromyography (EMG)

Nonsurgical Treatment For a Pinched Nerve

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of pain and the cause of the pinched neck nerve. In most cases, the most beneficial treatment is to rest the injured area and avoid activities that can worsen symptoms. If pain is more severe and persistent, see our doctor for neck pain treatment on Long Island. Our specialist can recommend one or more types of treatment to shrink swollen tissue around the affected nerve. Some examples of nonsurgical treatment include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
  • Oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Narcotics used for brief periods to deal with severe pain.
  • Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and allow the nerves to recover.
  • Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the affected muscles.
  • A splint or soft collar to limit motion of the neck.

Surgical Treatment Options

If nonsurgical treatments options aren’t sufficient and your pain and symptoms are not going away, our doctor may recommend surgery. Several surgeries can be carried out depending on your symptoms and the location of the involved nerve root. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and, in some cases, improve the alignment of the cervical spine. Some examples of surgical options for a pinched neck nerve include:

  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – The fusion of the two affected vertebrae after removing the disk or bone spur causing nerve compression. 
  • Artificial Disk Replacement – The removal of the herniated disk and replacing it with an artificial disk.
  • Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy – Shaving down the back of the spinal canal and removing any parts that may be causing a pinched nerve.

Visit Neck Pain Treatment on Long Island

A pinched neck nerve can be debilitating and hold you back from enjoying everyday activities. Thankfully, our specialist can bring you relief through nonsurgical or surgical treatment. The faster a pinched nerve is diagnosed and addressed by a doctor, the faster it will heal through neck pain treatment on Long Island. Dr. Han Jo Kim listens to his patients’ needs and provides the utmost care. Contact his office today to address your spinal injuries and conditions.