Pinched Nerves in the Neck - Spine Surgery in HI

A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, weakness, and numbness that radiates into the shoulders, arms, and hands. These symptoms can greatly affect a person’s quality of life, but the right treatments can help alleviate these issues.

Our team of surgeons–Drs. Kyle, Lance, and Morris Mitsunaga–have diverse backgrounds in terms of their training, interests, and techniques. Our surgeons work closely with one another both in clinic and in the operating room so patients with pinched nerves in the neck can benefit from the combined expertise of three experienced surgeons, rather than just one, when they are under our care.

What Causes Pinched Nerves in the Neck?

The spinal canal in the neck has an opening in the center where the spinal cord lives. Spinal nerve roots branch off of the spinal cord and exit the spinal canal through tiny openings on the left and right of the spinal canal (these openings are called the “foramen”).

There are two types of pinched nerves in the neck:

Pressure on the nerve roots as they exit through the foramen (this is called “cervical radiculopathy” or “cervical foraminal stenosis”).
Pressure on the actual spinal cord itself (this is called “cervical myelopathy” or “cervical stenosis”).

There are multiple factors that can cause pinched nerves in the neck, including:

Age-related wear and tear in the neck (this is called arthritis or spondylosis)
Congenital/genetic conditions
Fractures/trauma to the neck
Infections and tumors in the neck
Hardening/thickening of spinal ligaments (ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or “OPLL”)

Diagnosing Pinched Nerves in the Neck

If our surgeons suspect a patient may have a pinched nerve in the neck, they first conduct a history and physical exam to look for signs and symptoms, which include:

Neck pain that radiates into the shoulders/arms/hands
Difficulty with hand coordination/grip
Weakness or tingling/numbness/uncomfortable sensations in the arms/hands
In severe cases, even balance can be affected.

Additionally, imaging studies like x-rays, CT, or MRI scans of your neck may be ordered to better visualize the anatomy of the neck. In some cases, our surgeons may also order another diagnostic test called an electromyography/nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS), which shows how well the electrical signals are running through the nerves in your neck and arms.

Treatment Options for Pinched Nerves in the Neck

When a patient has pinched nerves in the neck, we tailor the treatment plan to the patient’s individual needs. We enjoy seeing our patients get better without surgery and do everything we can to do so. This often involves referring patients to trusted colleagues who specialize in nonsurgical treatments.

When surgery is necessary, our surgeons are trained in multiple techniques so we can customize our surgical plan to meet the individual needs of each patient.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Nowadays, there is an endless list of nonsurgical treatment options available for pinched nerves in the neck–some legitimate, some not. If patients are not ready for surgery, our surgeons work with patients to navigate the broad array of nonsurgical options that are out there to see which ones would be most appropriate for their specific problem. Our team also consults with various nonsurgical specialists to ensure we are doing everything possible to get patients better without surgery. Nonoperative therapies for pinched nerves in the neck may include immobilization, traction, medications, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and activity modification.

Surgical Options for Pinched Nerves in the Neck

In cases where surgery is needed, we utilize the most advanced, least invasive techniques possible.

The primary goal of surgery for pinched nerves in the neck (cervical myelopathy, stenosis, cervical radiculopathy) is to create more room for the pinched nerves.

There are a variety of ways to achieve this goal. In some cases, surgery may involve putting metal implants in the neck. For example, one common surgery involves cervical fusion (joining two or more vertebrae in the neck with metal rods/screws/plates/cages). In other cases, more room can be created for the nerves in your neck without the need for metal hardware or fusion.

Every patient is different. It is important to find a surgeon who is comfortable with all of the most up-to-date surgical techniques so the surgical plan can be customized to your needs.

At our practice, surgical options for pinched nerves in the neck include:

In many cases, these spine procedures are performed with two of our experienced spine surgeons, which we believe makes surgery go more smoothly and safely.

Recovering from Neck Surgery

Following surgery for pinched nerves in the neck, some patients are able to go home on the same day, especially those who have had minimally invasive or endoscopic surgery. Sometimes, a short hospital stay is required.

Recovery timelines and return to work can vary from patient to patient. We try to get patients off pain medications, particularly heavy painkillers, as soon as possible after surgery. We encourage patients to walk as much as possible during the recovery period, but to avoid certain strenuous activities until cleared to do so.

While in the hospital, our therapists will teach patients how to perform daily activities safely. Upon leaving the hospital, our surgeons often prescribe outpatient physical therapy to help speed up recovery. Outpatient physical therapy focuses on decreasing neck stiffness/swelling/discomfort, improving overall mobility and posture, increasing neck stabilization, strength, and range of motion.

Surgery for Pinched Nerves in the Neck in Honolulu, HI

Our team believes that when treating a patient with pinched nerves in the neck, a conservative approach is generally best. If surgery is necessary, our team is committed to bringing the most advanced, least invasive techniques to the Hawaiian islands. When possible, avoiding aggressive fusion surgery and opting for motion-sparing (non-fusion) surgical options are always a priority.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our surgeons, please call our office at (808) 691-6511.