Signs You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck and What to Do About It

Read Time:2 Minute, 51 Second

Individuals who are searching for a neck pain doctor near me may be experiencing pain as a result of a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve occurs when significant compression is applied to a nerve by the surrounding tissues. This compression may be the result of an injury, a condition of Rheumatoid arthritis, stress, obesity, repetitive work, and/or from hobbies and sports activities. Let us explore some of the symptoms and prevention methods of pinched nerves.

1. Sharp, Aching, Burning, and Radiating Pain

The human nervous system is a complex interconnected system where an isolated injury such as a pinched nerve can affect many other areas of the body. When an injury occurs and the muscle tissue compresses upon a nerve, that never can react by shooting pain throughout the body. If someone pinches a nerve in their neck, they may experience aching, burning, and shooting pain between the shoulder blades, in the neck, as well as in the arms. Some may even feel that pain in their hands and fingers.

2. Numbness, Decreased Sensation, Frequent Feeling of a Foot or Hand Falling Asleep

Having a pinched nerve may result in symptoms of numbness. At first, you may experience a tingling sensation, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your hands or feet, followed by your foot or hand “falling asleep” and losing all feeling in that particular region.

This can happen occasionally to anyone due to pressure on the nerves from an awkward body position, however, if it happens frequently, and for a longer time in combination with some pain in the neck or shoulder blades, this could be a sign of a pinched nerve in your neck.

3. Preventing a Pinched Nerve

Though there is little to be done to prevent a pinched nerve as a result of an injury, there are many preventions that can be taken to lower the possibility of a pinched nerve occurring. First, be sure to maintain good posture and positioning of your body. Don’t cross your legs, or lay on your arm for a long time.

Second, maintain a healthy weight. Many chronic pain issues, as well as pinched nerves, can be prevented by avoiding obesity. Third, be sure to incorporate strength and flexibility exercises in your regular exercise program. Yoga is a great addition to any exercise program that incorporates strength and flexibility at the same time. Finally, try to limit repetitive activities and take frequent, but short breaks when doing these activities.

4. Treatment for a Pinched Nerve

At first, the best thing you can do for a pinched nerve is rest before you search out for a neck pain doctor near me. Most pinched nerves resolve themselves within a few days or weeks from rest, basic stretching, and over the counter pain medications. If the pain persists for longer than a few weeks, then it is time to make an appointment with a Performance Pain specialist.

Need to Find a Chronic Pain Specialist?

Again, if you are looking for a neck pain doctor near me you may be experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve in your neck. You should consider seeing us here at Performance Pain. If at first rest and stretching do not resolve the pain within a few weeks, it may be a sign of a worse condition and in that case, a Performance Pain specialist can assist you to resolve the issue.