Pinched Nerve in Your Neck? When to Consider Seeing a Specialist

A pinched nerve in your neck can cause all sorts of problems, not the least of which is pain. If you think you might be suffering from this condition, you’re probably wondering if you should see a specialist.

At ReGen Pain Management in Plano and Frisco, Texas, Dr. Jonathan Koning frequently sees cases of pinched nerves, so we’re well acquainted with how they can affect your life. Here’s our take on when you should see a specialist for a pinched nerve.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve in your neck, also called cervical radiculopathy, happens when a nerve root in your neck is compressed or irritated. There are eight nerve roots in your neck area — they’re located where a nerve branches off your spinal cord and exits between two vertebrae. They control muscles and feeling in your upper body, including your arms.

When your nerve is pinched, it can cause neck pain that radiates into your shoulder and down your arm. Other symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in various areas of your shoulders and arms. 

This is not a life-threatening condition, but it can affect your daily life and potentially cause permanent nerve damage.

Treatment options

Pinched nerves are fairly common. Most cases don’t require treatment, and symptoms fade within a few days. If your symptoms persist, we recommend starting with conservative treatments.

Rest and modify activities to avoid positions that worsen your pain. You can also try alternating heat and ice therapy to relieve inflammation, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers.

When to see a specialist

Mild cases of pinched nerves should respond to these treatments. However, it’s time to see a specialist if any of the following are true:

• Your symptoms last beyond several days
• The pain, numbness, or weakness becomes more intense or starts interfering with your work and sleep
• You begin to have difficulty controlling fine motor movements in your hand

You should seek immediate medical attention if you lose bladder or bowel control, have slurred speech, or experience cognitive changes or significant balance problems.

Dr. Koning and our expert team conduct a comprehensive evaluation, along with any necessary imaging. Then we put together a personalized treatment plan that may include physical therapy and targeted injections. Minimally invasive surgery to correct the problem is a last resort.

If conservative treatments aren’t working and you’d like a professional opinion on your condition, our team at ReGen Pain Management is here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling our location most convenient to you or requesting an appointment online today.