Pinched cervical nerve is a fairly common pathology. It may be due to a car accident, sports injury, a failed fall, or a sign of normal aging. What to do if a nerve is pinched in the neck? What are the primary symptoms of this problem?
general information
Squeezing by muscles or the so-called bodies of the vertebrae of the nerve roots located in the cervical spine can cause discomfort, pain and even numbness. Otherwise, this condition in medicine is called radiculopathy. This pathology begins with metabolic disturbances directly in the intervertebral discs themselves (elastic rings with a core in the center). They play the role of shock absorbers in the spine. Sometimes the discs are destroyed or displaced, as a result, pinching of the nerve roots is observed. Note, this problem has recently been increasingly diagnosed, even among the younger generation.
If a nerve is pinched in the neck, it is necessary to consult a doctor, namely a neurologist. The thing is that this problem has a close relationship with a functional disorder of the cervical spine, which is unbearable pain. The central nervous system is considered one of the most complex structures in the body. That is why pathologies in her work should be dealt exclusively with a professional.
Why did the nerve of the neck get pinched? Main reasons
Currently, doctors identify several factors contributing to the development of this problem. In the first place, pinching can occur due to various disorders in the discs of the spine. Due to some diseases or due to intense physical exertion, the emollient properties of these discs are noticeably reduced. As a result, they begin to squeeze any nerve extending directly from the spinal cord.
This problem has to be faced by those people who already have pathologies of the vertebral structure at the congenital level. Old age, passive lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, chronic diseases - all these factors can also cause pinching. Sometimes experts state the development of this pathology as a result of the appearance of a neoplasm, including a malignant nature or a scar left after surgery.
What signs indicate pinching?
There are eight cervical nerves in total. The tightness of any of them can cause painful discomfort, tingling and numbness in any part of the body. If a nerve is pinched in the neck, the very first symptom is pain in the shoulder. Numbness in the area and muscle weakness may also appear.
Another symptom is pain and numbness in the hands, and discomfort can be felt up to the thumb. In especially serious cases, dysfunction of the entire brush is noted. Some patients have problems with swallowing, headaches of varying intensity and signs of a sharp deterioration in the blood supply to the brain.
The nerve of the neck was pinched. What to do first?
Initially, doctors recommend taking those drugs that contribute to the relief of pain. In this case, a drug called Ibuprofen has proven itself. It is dispensed without a prescription. If you can’t remove the pain syndrome, you should immediately seek qualified help.
What should be the treatment?
Therapy for this problem, as a rule, begins with the use of those drugs that are responsible for the removal of pain and reduction of inflammatory processes ("Ibuprofen", "Naproxen").
Muscle relaxants along with metocarbamol are also recommended for the treatment of cervical spasms. They should be used with extreme caution, since they differ in hypnotic effect. After taking such drugs, you can not drive or participate in other activities that require high concentration.
When the neck is very sore (a nerve is pinched), doctors recommend injections of corticosteroids. It is important to note that this is a fairly radical technique, the use of which should be done only if all of the above tips have been ineffective.
An excellent solution to eliminate pinching is considered physiotherapy. It involves a whole range of exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles. They should be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist, since there is a high probability of injury. Another treatment option is a special therapeutic massage. It relaxes all muscles, which helps to improve blood flow in the neck.
It is far from always possible by means of physical and drug therapy to quickly eliminate a pathology such as radiculopathy (a situation where a neck nerve was pinched). What to do in this case? Quite rarely, doctors make a decision about surgical surgery. In this case, the specialist should take into account the patient's history, his age and general condition. The rehabilitation period after surgery can last up to eight weeks.
How to relieve pain at home?
When a person has a nerve pinched in his neck, he literally for some time loses his performance, not to mention the constantly haunting pain discomfort. To prevent the development of this problem or "solve" an existing one, you can perform simple exercises at home.
The simplest is neck flexion. It is necessary to stand up straight and firmly press the chin to the chest. Then you should very slowly raise your chin up, tilting your head back. Such movements should be repeated five times, and after a 30-second break.
Another exercise option. It is necessary to clasp both hands on the back of the head and try to put strong pressure on them with the head, while straining the neck muscles. In this position, you should stay for about five seconds.
Conclusion
In this article, we talked about what to do if a nerve is pinched in the neck. Treatment and the causes of this pathology, as a rule, are interrelated. Despite this fact, experts do not recommend trying to overcome the problem on their own, it is better to seek the help of qualified doctors.