Neck Pain and Nerve Compression: When It's Time for a Surgical Evaluation

Over 200 million people worldwide experience neck pain in a given year. A compressed nerve, also known as a pinched nerve or cervical radiculopathy, is a common cause. 

While many people find neck pain relief without surgery, a range of factors may make surgical intervention your best option.

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill, Florida, provide comprehensive neck pain solutions, from conservative care to complex spine surgeries.

If you have a compressed nerve in your neck, read on to learn more — including when to schedule a surgical evaluation.

Neck nerve compression causes

Nerve compression happens when a nerve’s pathway narrows, often due to age-related wear-and-tear. It can happen anywhere in your spine, but the neck, or cervical area, is common.

Conditions linked with nerve compression in the neck include degenerate disc disease, arthritis, bone spurs, and disc herniation. A pinched nerve in your neck can also stem from poor posture, repetitive movements, or an injury, like whiplash.

Other factors that increase your risk of nerve compression pain include being aged 40-60, smoking, heavy lifting, and obesity.

Nerve compression symptoms

Compressed nerve pain tends to radiate. If yours starts in your neck, for example, it may move through one or both of your arms. Other pinched nerve symptoms include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and weak reflexes.

Your symptoms may come and go or stay fairly constant. You might also find that they flare up or worsen during certain movements, such as turning your head to the side.

Nerve compression treatments

Most cases of cervical radiculopathy improve without medical treatment within 12 weeks. Conservative care can often help alleviate your symptoms sooner. Such treatments include cervical collars, rest, medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections.

Several types of surgeries can treat more severe or stubborn nerve pain issues. If you’re a candidate for surgery, we may recommend anterior cervical discectomy (ACDF) and fusion, artificial disc replacement, or posterior cervical foraminotomy. ACDF, the most standard option, helps by removing damaged discs, decompressing affected nerves, and stabilizing nearby vertebrae.

When to schedule a surgical evaluation

If conservative care hasn’t resolved your neck pain from nerve compression within 6-8 weeks or you’re experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, it’s time to consider surgery. A surgical evaluation is the best way to navigate that decision. 

In addition to complex and traditional surgeries, Spine Institute of Florida offers minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic foraminotomy with neurotomy (nerve cutting). Our team will customize a treatment plan based on an exam, any needed imaging tests, and your overall health.

To learn more about nerve compression treatments or benefit from a surgical evaluation, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.