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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.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), or spinal cord compression, is one of the most common age-related neck conditions in the U.S. Over time, normal wear-and-tear and effects of aging can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), compressing, or squeezing, the spinal cord. CSM can cause a variety of symptoms, including: a tingling, prickling sensation, numbness, weakness, difficulty walking (loss of balance), wide-based gait, coordination problems, clumsiness, difficulty with simple tasks, neck pain and stiffness.

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.