nerve compression or irritation in the cervical spine

As the pairs of nerve roots leave the cervical spine (neck) they can become subjected to injury either as a result of physically restriction or chemically irritation.

In the vast majority of cases this is due to a prolapsed disc and sometimes bony growths from degenerative joints known as osteophytes which maybe present in degenerative or arthritic spines. Nerves can also irritated away from the spine. These are known as peripheral entrapments.

Symptoms of nerve compression or irritation in the cervical spine

In medical terms, referred pain into the limbs from a trapped nerve in the spine is defined as radicular pain. If a nerve root in the neck is being irritated it can cause pain referral into the upper limb (arms and hands) and if it is in the low back it can cause referral into the lower limb (leg and foot). Radicular pain can vary in both quality and intensity but generally speaking it is described as constant dull “toothe ache” type pain. The pain distribution is often specific and dependent on which nerve root is being irritated.

Along with radicular pain, a trapped nerve in the neck can also cause additional symptoms to be reported by the patient such as:

• Pins and needles / tingling / numbness: These changes in sensation are also known as parasthesia’s.  The nerve roots serve certain areas of skin known as dermatomes.   
• Loss of strength : When the nerve is being compressed there can also be very specific loss of strength in the muscle’s that it serves known as myotomes.

how we can help

Our St Pauls Chiropractors frequently see patients reporting symptoms of nerve compression  /irritation in the neck region. They are trained to perform specialist neurological and orthopeadic tests and to help dianose your complaint. Where appropriate they may refer patients on for imaging such as MRI Scans.

If additional assessment is required then we will make the appropriate referral to your General Pracitioner or one of our Medical Consulting Tearn . Common medical interventions for this complaint may include cortico-steroid injections to reduce localised nerve root irritation or nerve root decompression which may involve shaving away the disc herniation or bone which is causing the compression.