Cervical neuropathy, caused by nerve compression or pinching in the neck region, can cause pain and numbness. Treatment options include medication, assistive devices, and surgery. Muscle spasms and degenerative arthritis are common causes. Surgery may be necessary for severe cases.
The cervical portion of the spine is made up of several bones known as vertebrae. These vertebrae are found at the base of the skull and extend through the neck region of the spine. Several pairs of nerves travel through these vertebrae, and if any of them are compressed or pinched, cervical neuropathy can occur. The primary symptom of cervical neuropathy is pain in the neck, often radiating down the arm. Treatment options include medications, assistive devices, and surgery.
The pain associated with cervical neuropathy can range from relatively mild to extraordinarily painful. If numbness and tingling are present along with the pain, it usually means that the compression of the nerve is a little more severe. These symptoms can affect one side at a time or both sides at once. It is important to report symptoms to a doctor immediately so that proper tests can be ordered.
A variety of medical conditions or situations can cause cervical neuropathy. Muscle spasms commonly create pressure on nerves and can contribute to this condition. In this case, prescription muscle relaxants may be the only treatment needed to resolve the symptoms. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may also be prescribed until symptoms have resolved.
Perhaps the most common cause of cervical neuropathy is a type of degenerative arthritis in which bone spurs develop in the spine, leading to pain and inflammation. The spongy discs located between the vertebrae sometimes become damaged, causing nerve compression and cervical neuropathy. A cervical collar, also known as a collar, is often prescribed to stabilize the neck and head, thereby relieving some of the pressure placed on the affected nerves. Steroid injections are also often given to reduce some of the inflammation surrounding the nerve.
If the above treatment options are unsuccessful or if the damage is particularly severe, surgery may be required. This is especially true if the associated weakness affects the arm to the point where normal activities become difficult or even impossible. If a damaged disc actually ruptures, surgery is usually needed to repair the damage. Sometimes it is also necessary for the surgeon to stabilize the affected part of the spine in such a way as to prevent the vertebrae from moving. One negative side effect of this type of surgery is a potentially permanent reduction in neck motion.
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