Herniated Disc & Pinched Nerve Arm Pain

A herniated cervical disc occurs when the outer covering of disc cartilage cracks. Consequently, the jelly-like nucleus inside puts pressure on spinal nerves, which can cause pain to radiate down the arm, according to Mayfield Clinic.

Function

• There are seven cervical vertebrae in the neck area. The discs are located between vertebrae. The nerves in the cervical area cause reflexes in the shoulder, arms and fingers. Any pinched nerve in the cervical region can temporarily hinder those reflexes, causing numbness, muscle tightness, tingling or pain.

Significance

• Though a herniated cervical disc can eventually heal on its own, rest is essential to prevent further aggravation of the injury. A person may also use a neck brace to limit sudden movements.

Types of Treatment

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and pain in the neck and arm that is caused by a herniated cervical disc.

Other Types of Treatment

• For more severe neck and arm pain, a doctor may prescribe epidural steroid injections or muscle relaxants, according to Mayfield Clinic.

Time Frame

• Recovery from a herniated disc and pinched nerve arm pain is usually contingent upon the severity of the injury, age and the consistency of treatments. However, 90 percent of individuals usually improve enough within six weeks to resume normal activity, according to the Mayfield Clinic.