Pinched nerve are a common cause of pain, and one of the most common places for it to occur is in the neck. When there is pressure places onto a nerve from structures such as muscle, tendon, ligaments or bone, you have what is called a pinched nerve in neck. The symptoms vary widely depending on the point of impingement, and they also may be referred down the body. Generally a pinched nerve in the neck can be treated easily, and the aim is to reduce the inflammation and to stop the impingement and the pressure on the nerve. Once these two things have been achieved, you will find that the pain goes away almost instantly.
The causes of a pinched nerve in neck will vary. Often they occur because of a certain injury, or trauma to the neck. Tight muscles and muscle imbalances are also common causes. Be aware that people will often confuse a pinched nerve in the neck, for a pinched nerve in shoulder, as the pain is commonly found in the shoulder and not in the neck. A herniated or bulging disc is another common cause of a pinched nerve. As you can imagine, if the disc has a bulge in it, and it compresses the nerve, you will suffer symptoms. Poor posture and age (degeneration of the vertebrae) are also factors that you need to take into account.
Symptoms Of A Pinched Nerve In Neck
If you have a pinched nerve in the neck there are a few symptoms that you may suffer from.The most important point to note is that the pain may actually refer itself away from the neck region, to anywhere in the body. Commonly it is referred to the shoulder, arm wrist and hand. You may have symptoms in the site of the impingement, but the most common occurrence is a referral of the pain. You may experience:
- Muscle weakness in the innervated muscles.
- Pain in the area and referred through the body.
- Muscle spasms due to the compression of the nerve.
- Loss of sensation or pins and needles on the skin.
how a pinched nerve in the neck refers pain…
Treatment For Pinched Nerve In Neck
If you want to make your pinched nerve better by yourself at home, there are home remedies for a pinched nerve. be aware that you should always get yourself checked out professionally, to ensure that you know exactly what you have and treat it accordingly. Pinched nerve in neck treatment can be quite simple if you have the knowledge.
Given that the first point of call when you are treating a pinched nerve is to reduce the inflammation in the area to help take the pressure off the nerve, this is what you should focus on initially. You can put ice on the area to help reduce the inflammation. This along with some anti inflammatory medicines are a means for you to reduce your pain and help your symptoms on your own at home.
Other treatments options that will often be implemented by a professional include exercise regime. Getting strong and reducing the muscle imbalances and correcting your posture will help to take the pressure off the nerve. Surgery is always a last case scenario, and one that is almost always avoided in this case.