A pinched nerve in the neck happens when a vertebra or disc in the upper part of your spine squeezes a nerve. This can happen because of an injury. Or it can just happen with age.
The changes that happen from an injury or aging may put pressure on a nearby nerve root, pinching it. This causes symptoms such as sharp pain in your neck, shoulder, arm, hand, or back. You may also have tingling or numbness. Sometimes it makes your arm weaker. The symptoms may get worse when you turn your head, cough, or sneeze.
For many people, the symptoms get better over time and finally go away.
Early treatment usually includes medicines for pain and swelling. Sometimes physical therapy and special exercises may help.
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