Neck pain can be frustrating no matter the cause, but when it’s caused by nerve compression, it can also be sharp, radiating, and difficult to ignore.
At Spine Group Beverly Hills, Dr. John Regan, a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, helps you understand the root cause of your pain and offers effective solutions, starting with education.
Your body contains a vast network of nerves — sensory, motor, and autonomic — that carry messages between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. Your nerves help control movement, sensation, and vital functions.
When it comes to your neck, there are eight pairs of cervical spinal nerves in your neck, labeled C1 through C8. These nerves branch off your spinal cord and exit through openings between the cervical vertebrae (C1–C7).
Even though there are only seven cervical vertebrae, there are eight cervical nerves because the first nerve (C1) exits above the first vertebra, and the eighth (C8) exits below the seventh vertebra.
These nerves control sensation and muscle movement in your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Nerve compression happens when surrounding structures like bones, discs, or soft tissue put pressure on a nerve.
Many cases of nerve compression are caused by wear and tear over time. Common causes include:
These conditions can narrow the spaces in your spine, a problem known as spinal stenosis, increasing your risk of nerve compression.
When a nerve is compressed, it can cause pain not just in the neck but also in the shoulders, arms, or hands. You might also experience tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, depending on which nerve is affected. Your C4 nerve, for example, provides sensation for your neck and shoulders, while C8 gives sensation to your pinky.
Nerve pain can manifest in many ways. What you feel depends on which nerve is compressed, what type of nerve was compressed, and how severe your condition is.
You might experience:
If these symptoms don’t improve with rest or persist longer than a few days, it’s important to see Dr. Regan.
The only way to know for sure what is behind your neck pain is through an exam and imaging studies. Dr. Regan begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms.
Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans help confirm your diagnosis and pinpoint the exact location of nerve compression.
You don’t have to live with constant neck pain. Many people find significant relief with non-surgical treatments like:
When these options aren’t enough, Dr. Regan may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure — such as a cervical discectomy or laminoplasty — to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore stability to your spine.
Dr. Regan doesn’t focus on quick fixes. Our goal is to provide long-term relief, allowing you to return to your normal routine.
Left untreated, nerve compression can worsen over time and lead to permanent nerve damage. If you're experiencing persistent neck pain, radiating symptoms, or weakness, the team at Spine Group Beverly Hills can help you find answers and relief.
Schedule your consultation online or call our Beverly Hills office at 424-238-3281.
