OverviewA pinched nerve in the neck happens when a vertebra or disc in the upper part of your spine squeezes a nerve. This can happen because of an injury. Or it can just happen with age. Show
The changes that happen from an injury or aging may put pressure on a nearby nerve root, pinching it. This causes symptoms such as sharp pain in your neck, shoulder, arm, hand, or back. You may also have tingling or numbness. Sometimes it makes your arm weaker. The symptoms may get worse when you turn your head, cough, or sneeze. For many people, the symptoms get better over time and finally go away. Early treatment usually includes medicines for pain and swelling. Sometimes physiotherapy and special exercises may help. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter K983 in the search box to learn more about "Pinched Nerve in the Neck: Care Instructions". DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. If your doctor suspects a pinched nerve, you may undergo some tests. These tests may include:
TreatmentThe most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint, collar or brace to immobilize the area. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may recommend wearing a splint during the day as well as at night because wrists flex and extend frequently during sleep. Physical therapyA physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area to relieve pressure on the nerve. The physical therapist may also recommend modifications to activities that aggravate the nerve. MedicationsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help relieve pain. Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and tricyclic medications such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) and amitriptyline are often used to treat nerve-related pain. Corticosteroids, given by mouth or by injection, may help minimize pain and inflammation. SurgeryIf the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. Surgery may entail removing bone spurs or a part of a herniated disk in the spine, for example, or severing the carpal ligament to allow more room for the nerve to pass through the wrist. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements,
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protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to first see your health care provider. Because there's often a lot to discuss and time may be limited, it's a good idea to prepare for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor. What you can do
Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For a suspected pinched nerve, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. They may include:
Jan. 22, 2022 What is the fastest way to fix a pinched nerve in your neck?If you have mild symptoms, you might find relief from:. soft cervical collar.. hot or cold compress.. practicing good posture.. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). acupuncture.. massage.. Can a pinched nerve in neck fix itself?Will a pinched nerve go away on its own? How long does it take? Yes, most will with time (normally four to six weeks). You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
How do you get rid of a trapped nerve in the side of your neck?If you have a pinched nerve in your neck, you may experience a sensation of pins and needles or weakness and pain in your hand, arm or shoulder.. Resting.. NSAIDs.. Cold or hot compresses.. Massage.. Soft cervical collar.. Acupuncture.. Practice good posture.. Should I go to the ER for a pinched nerve in my neck?Watch out for these severe symptoms. Call a doctor if: You have persistent pain. If your pain from what you think is a pinched nerve lasts more than a couple of days, you should seek medical attention.
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