Table of contents:
- Symptoms of a pinched neck nerve
- Tips for reducing the symptoms of a pinched neck nerve
- 1. Get more rest
- 2. Cold compress
- 3. Take medicine
- 4. See a doctor
The nerves in the neck pinched usually caused by damage to the joints of the spine. This damage can be triggered by traumatic injury or age, which causes the nerve roots in the neck to feel like they are being pinched. What are the symptoms of a pinched neck nerve? Check out the reviews below to find out the answer.
Symptoms of a pinched neck nerve
The symptoms of a pinched nerve generally vary depending on the location of the nerve that is affected. If this happens to the nerves of the neck, usually the pain in the neck feels like being pricked by a needle.
However, the symptoms of a pinched nerve may not occur in the part of the body where the nerve is affected. In fact, the pain will be felt in a fairly far place, such as symptoms of a pinched neck nerve, such as:
- Burning sensation in the arms and hands
- Unable to feel anything in the arms and hands, aka numbness.
- Tingling in the arms and hands.
- Arms feel weaker.
- The pain increases in both areas when moving the neck or head.
- In some cases, the neck area swells.
In some people, the symptoms of the pinched neck nerve above may disappear over time. However, as reported by the page Stanford Health Care, this could indicate that your nerve has been completely pinched.
As a result, nerve function does not work at all and interferes with muscle function. So, when you feel these signs, you should consult a doctor for treatment.
Tips for reducing the symptoms of a pinched neck nerve
In fact, the symptoms of a pinched neck nerve that can be relieved by pain can be done at home.
Normally, this treatment depends on the cause that made your symptoms worse.
Here are some ways to reduce the symptoms of a pinched neck nerve that can interfere with your daily activities.
1. Get more rest
One way to reduce the severity of the pinched neck nerve symptoms is to rest and change your daily activities.
For example, limiting strenuous activities, reducing exercise or lifting heavy weights, to sitting with good posture while driving.
2. Cold compress
In addition to resting, compressing the sore area with a cold and warm compress can also relieve symptoms of a pinched neck nerve.
For example, you can apply a cold compress when the pain occurs during activities. Keep in mind that it is recommended to cover the compress with a cloth so that it does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Also, limit the use of the compress to 15-20 minutes and give it a break of about two hours before using it again.
3. Take medicine
Source: MIMS
If you feel that the compress and rest are not enough to relieve the symptoms of a pinched neck nerve, maybe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help you.
NSAIDs are one of the first drugs that can relieve inflammation caused by a pinched neck nerve.
Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs are ibuprofen and naproxen. In addition, short-term oral corticosteroids can also help relieve symptoms.
These drugs can usually reduce the swelling around the nerves, so that the frequency of burning or numbness you experience decreases.
4. See a doctor
If the pain does not get better or gets worse, you should consult a doctor. For severe cases of pinched neck nerves, your doctor may recommend that you get steroid injections.
These injections may not reduce pressure on the nerves due to the protruding joints. However, steroids can reduce swelling and pain over a long period of time.
Symptoms of a pinched neck nerve can indeed interfere with activity. So, when you feel the symptoms above, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
