The formal name for this condition is cervicalradiculopathy.
There are a few simple treatments for a pinched nerve.
If these don’t work, your healthcare provider may consider more aggressive options.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
This article looks at how a pinched nerve is diagnosed and treated.
These include:
If any concerning signs are present, your healthcare provider will order additional tests.
You may need a blood test or you may be sent for imaging of your head and/or neck.
In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist or sent to the emergency room.
This will depend on what condition your healthcare provider suspects and how urgent it is.
This will give your nerve irritation some time to resolve.
Medications that may be prescribed include:
During this time, avoid activities that make your pain worse.
But you’ll also need to avoid staying in bed for long periods of time.
Inactivity can delay your recovery and may lead to more problemslikemuscle atrophy(loss of muscle).
If it’s possible for you to, continue your daily routine, but limit activities that are uncomfortable.
You may also be referred forphysical therapy.
It will help you retain neck range of motion and strengthen your neck, back, and shoulder muscles.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend using a cervical collar or pillow.
Another possible therapy iscervical traction.
These tests use electrodes to track the electrical signals in your muscles and nerves.
Sometimes, the diagnosis is more complex and requires a consultation with a spine specialist.
Discuss the need for surgery carefully with your healthcare provider.
It is important to see to it the benefits outweigh any potential harms before moving forward with this procedure.
Summary
Cervical radicular symptoms can have a number of causes.
If your pain is still present after six to 12 weeks, you may need to be re-evaluated.
Imaging tests can help confirm other conditions, or you may need an epidural nerve block or surgery.
A Word From Verywell
If you’ve been diagnosed with a pinched nerve, don’t worry.
And persistent cases can be effectively treated with interventions like injections or surgerythese treatments are typically beneficial.
Iyer S, Kim HJ.Cervical radiculopathy.Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.
2016;9(3):272-80. doi:10.1007/s12178-016-9349-4
Childress M, Becker BA.Nonoperative management of cervical radiculopathy.Am Fam Physician.
2016;93(9):746-54.
Robinson J, Kothari MJ.Treatment and prognosis of cervical radiculopathy.
In: Shefner JM, Goddeau RP, eds.
