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When there is inflammation, compression (pressure), or irritation of a nerve root exiting the spine, the nerve may be unable to conduct sensory impulses to the brain appropriately, leading to varying degrees of discomfort and pain. The majority of patients with cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, get better over time, with no need for surgery or any type of treatment at all.

A disk herniates when part of the center nucleus pushes through the outer edge of the disk and back toward the spinal canal. This puts pressure on the nerves. Spinal nerves are very sensitive to even slight amounts of pressure, which can result in pain, numbness or weakness in one or both legs. A herniated disc, often referred to as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disk, is a common source of pain in the neck, lower back, arms or legs.