Advanced pinched nerve treatment in Atlanta
Precision nerve compression care combining electrodiagnostics, relief-focused injections, and surgical expertise when conservative therapies aren’t enough.
That shooting pain down your arm, the numbness in your fingers, the weakness when you grip—a pinched nerve in your neck isn't just uncomfortable, it's limiting your life. Every movement becomes calculated, every task more difficult. At Legacy Brain and Spine, we understand the urgency of nerve compression. Our precision treatment approaches, from targeted nerve blocks to minimally invasive foraminotomy, are designed to relieve pressure quickly and restore function, often with same-week appointments for urgent cases.
Our Specialists
Meet the physicians who specialize in treating pinched nerve:
Available at these Locations
This treatment is available at all of our convenient locations:
Overview
A pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates down the arm. Our precision treatment approaches target the source of compression.
Expert care for pinched nerve
Precision nerve decompression specialists treating cervical radiculopathy with targeted approaches. Our minimally invasive foraminotomy and selective nerve blocks provide immediate relief from radiating arm pain with rapid recovery times.
Common Symptoms
Cervical radiculopathy creates distinctive patterns that help pinpoint exactly which nerve is compressed. The specific distribution of pain, numbness, and weakness in your arm and hand acts like a roadmap for diagnosis. Time is crucial—prolonged nerve compression can lead to permanent weakness and sensory loss, so early treatment offers the best outcomes.
Sharp pain radiating down the arm
Intense, shooting pain travels from the neck down the shoulder and arm, often following a specific dermatomal pattern. This electric or burning sensation indicates nerve root compression and can be severe enough to wake you from sleep.
Numbness or 'pins and needles' in the arm or hand
Altered sensation ranging from tingling to complete numbness in specific fingers or areas of the hand and arm. These paresthesias follow predictable patterns based on which cervical nerve root is compressed, helping pinpoint the problem level.
Weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers
Reduced strength makes gripping, holding objects, or performing fine motor tasks difficult. You might drop things unexpectedly or notice difficulty with buttons, opening jars, or maintaining grip strength during activities.
Pain that worsens with certain neck movements
Specific positions or movements like looking up, turning to one side, or extending the neck intensify symptoms. These mechanical patterns help identify the compressed nerve and may cause you to hold your head in protective positions.
Decreased sensation in specific areas
Reduced ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain in distinct regions of the arm or hand corresponding to the affected nerve distribution. This sensory loss can affect safety and dexterity, making tasks requiring precision challenging.
Common Causes
Pinched nerves in the neck rarely resolve on their own and typically require intervention to decompress the nerve. Understanding the underlying cause—whether it's a disc herniation, bone spur, or other structural problem—guides us toward the most effective treatment, from injections to surgical decompression.
Herniated cervical disc
When a neck disc ruptures, its gel-like center pushes out and presses directly on nerve roots exiting the spinal cord. This mechanical compression blocks nerve signals and triggers intense inflammation, causing the characteristic arm pain and numbness.
Bone spurs from arthritis
Arthritic changes in cervical joints stimulate excessive bone growth that narrows the foramen where nerves exit. These calcified projections gradually encroach on nerve space, progressively worsening symptoms over time.
Thickened ligaments
Chronic stress causes spinal ligaments to thicken and become less flexible, reducing space for nerve roots. This progressive thickening creates a slowly tightening vice around exiting nerves, leading to gradual symptom onset.
Spinal stenosis in the neck
General narrowing of the cervical spinal canal from multiple degenerative changes compresses nerve roots at their origin. This stenosis creates a confined space where any additional swelling or disc bulge immediately affects nerve function.
Injury or trauma
Acute cervical injuries from falls, sports, or accidents can immediately herniate discs or dislocate vertebrae onto nerves. These traumatic events cause sudden-onset nerve compression requiring urgent evaluation and treatment.
Treatment Options
Rest and activity modification - Strategic rest periods and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms while maintaining gentle movement to prevent stiffness
Physical therapy and cervical traction - Specialized stretches, strengthening exercises, and gentle traction therapy to decompress nerve roots and improve neck mechanics
Anti-inflammatory medications - Prescription-strength NSAIDs and corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation and manage acute pain episodes
Selective nerve root blocks - Diagnostic and therapeutic injections precisely targeting the affected nerve root with anesthetic and steroid medication
Minimally invasive foraminotomy - Outpatient procedure to enlarge the foramen (nerve exit hole) by removing bone or tissue compressing the nerve root
Anterior cervical discectomy - Removal of herniated disc material through a small front-of-neck incision to immediately decompress the pinched nerve
State of the art facilities
Joint Commission Gold Seal certified surgery centers equipped with the latest neurosurgical technology. Our Atlanta and Riverdale facilities offer minimally invasive procedures with concierge recovery suites for optimal patient comfort.
Recovery & Outlook
Many patients experience significant improvement with conservative care in 4-6 weeks. Surgical patients typically see immediate relief of radiating pain, with full recovery in 6-12 weeks.
Ready to Start Your Treatment Journey?
Our board-certified neurosurgeons are here to provide expert evaluation and personalized treatment plans. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options.
Schedule ConsultationAccepted by most major insurance carriers and plans.
Many of our physicians are in-network with major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and more. Coverage can vary, so feel free to call us—we're happy to check your plan for you.
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