Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Cervical radiculopathy is more commonly known as a compressed or pinched nerve in the neck. It occurs when there is a compressed, irritated nerve in the neck that branches off of the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arms or hands. The discomfort from a pinched nerve can be severe affecting your ability to drive, work, care for your family, or function normally.

The Anatomy of the Spine

To better understand cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck), it helps to learn more about your spinal anatomy. The spinal column is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae, which form a strong, flexible rod protecting the spinal cord, supporting the head, and providing attachment for the ribs. The spine is comprised of four major components: the vertebrae, facet joints, discs, and nerves.

The neck is the cervical region of the spine, the uppermost part of the spinal column. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

What Causes Pinched Nerve in the Neck?

Main causes of cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck) include:

A herniated spinal disk that compresses the root nerve
Degenerative changes

Conditions that can contribute to a pinched nerve in the neck include:

Injury
Arthritis
Overexertion during physical activity
Repetitive work injuries

Risk factors for a pinched nerve in the neck include:

Diabetes
Pregnancy
Prolonged bed rest

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

A pinched nerve in the neck may cause you to feel:

Numbness into the arm and/or hand
Sharp, burning pain that radiates peripherally (outwards)
Sensations of pins and needles (medically called paresthesia)
Muscle weakness of the arm and/or hand
Frequently noticing that your arm or hand has “fallen asleep”

Symptoms may be worse while you’re resting or sleeping depending on the position of your head.

Diagnosing Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)

Most people recover from a pinched nerve in the neck with rest and other nonsurgical treatments within a few days or weeks. If you are experiencing pinched nerve in the neck symptoms that do not resolve within a few days or weeks, you should seek care from your primary care doctor or consult with a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Your doctor will take your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your neck, shoulder, arms, and hands – looking for muscle weakness, loss of sensation, or any change in your reflexes. Your doctor will measure your range of motion to identify maneuvers that provoke your pain. Your doctor will also order imaging tests.

X-rays: Cervical x-rays to evaluate the bony structures and alignment of your neck
MRI: Cervical MRI to evaluate your spinal cord discs and ligaments.
CT: CT scan may pre ordered to further evaluate the bony structures. This is more commonly a preoperative study.
Nerve conduction / EMG (electromyogram): This study may be ordered to measure electrical nerve impulses in the functioning muscles and nerves to determine if your nerve is being affected in your spine or in your extremity. This study can show your orthopedic spine surgeon whether you have a damaged nerve. Electromyography (EMG) tests can evaluate the electrical activity of the muscles as they contract versus while at rest. The results of these tests indicate whether there is damage to the nerve leading to a muscle.

Treatments for Pinched Nerve in the Neck

If your doctor determines you have a pinched nerve in the neck, they will recommend you stop any activities that cause or irritate the nerve compression. Treatments for pinched nerves in the neck begin with conservative options.

Physical therapy is a conservative treatment option that can teach patients how to strengthen, stretch, and heal the muscles in the area where the nerve is compressed. The physical therapist may recommend neck exercises for you. Ergonomic recommendations may also be made. These are recommendations on positioning to minimize risk of injury.
Medication: Your doctor may advise you to take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescribe oral corticosteroids or oral anti-convulsants to relieve pain.
Injections: Your spine surgeon or pain management specialist may recommend a steroid injection to target the affected nerve and reduce local inflammation for severe pain or pain not relieved by conservative measures. Options include epidural injections or a selective facet joint injection. Although steroid injections do not relieve pressure on the nerve caused by disc or bony compression lessening the swelling and relieve pain long enough to allow the nerve to recover.

Surgical Options for Pinched Nerve in the Neck:

Surgery for pinched nerves may be necessary if your condition doesn’t improve within a few months of conservative treatments. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the pinched nerve and the underlying conditions causing the pinched nerve. Surgery may entail removing bone spurs, a portion of a herniated spinal disk, or other techniques to relieve pressure from the compressed nerve.

Find a Spine Doctor

When to See a Doctor for a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

A pinched nerve in the neck usually resolves itself within a few days or weeks. However, if the cervical nerve pain does not diminish within a month or so, or you are suffering severe pain, it is wise to consult with a fellowship-trained spine surgeon.

Prompt medical attention needs to be sought if you are experiencing:

Weakness / loss of strength to the arm or hands
Severe pain
Difficulty walking
Bowel or bladder difficulties

If your cervical nerve pain is the result of any type of trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or fall, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention.

Hoag Orthopedic is the one of the only exclusively orthopedic and spine care centers on the West Coast. We are ranked by U.S. News & World Report as High Performing in Spinal Fusion.

Our board-certified cervical spine surgeons will assess the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck via testing and will devise an individualized treatment plan.

Ready to seek treatment for your pinched nerve? Call (949) 890-0464 to find a doctor that's right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.

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