After a car accident or slip and fall, you might be feeling pain in your shoulder or arms. Believe it or not, a pinched nerve in your neck might be to blame. These injuries require immediate treatment, otherwise many victims might find it difficult to return to work or even to sleep at night.
Symptoms of Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Nerves branch off from the spinal cord and run to the distant areas of the body. However, these nerves run through the openings in between the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. When a person suffers a traumatic injury, one of the soft pads in between the vertebrae can become injured, causing it to dislodge or for the soft inner filling to extrude outward. This disc can then press against the nerve root in the neck in a condition called cervical radiculopathy.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve include pain, weakness, or numbness (“pins and needles”) in the neck, which then travels down to the arm. Many people have described the pain as a sharp or burning sensation, and different movements like twisting the neck can increase the pain a person feels.
Treating a Pinched Nerve
Moving the hands above the head might provide momentary relief from pain, and some minor pinched nerves will clear up on their own in a matter of days. However, if pain lingers, a doctor might prescribe the following course of treatment:
- Immobilizing the neck muscles by wearing a soft cervical collar.
- Prescribing medications to deal with inflammation and pain. Medication can include steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Participating in physical therapy to stretch muscles and joints and improve the range of movement. Different movements include trap stretches and chin tucks.
Many patients will respond to nonsurgical treatment in a matter of weeks. If symptoms persist or worsen, however, then a patient might need surgery to remove the pressure on the nerve. In addition to being expensive, surgery carries attendant risks related to infection, surgical error, and anesthesia.
Speak with a Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you experience weakness or pain in the arms after an accident, a pinched nerve could be to blame. The lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein help accident victims get compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. For help with your case, contact us today by calling 305-371-2692. Our consultations are always free and confidential.