Brain & Nervous System Headaches Causes & Risk Factors Print A Headache From a Pinched Nerve Diagnosis and Treatment By Colleen Doherty, MD Colleen Doherty, MD, is a board-certified internist living with multiple sclerosis. Learn about our editorial process Colleen Doherty, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD on December 06, 2018 Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology. She is an associate professor of neurology at Tufts Medical School and medical director of the Lahey Clinic Multiple Sclerosis Center in Lexington, Massachusetts. Learn about our Medical Review Board Claudia Chaves, MD Updated on November 28, 2019 Headaches Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping In This Article Table of Contents Expand Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment View All Do you suspect that a pinched nerve in your neck is the culprit behind your headache? A pinched nerve in the neck—known medically as cervical radiculopathy—occurs when a nerve root in your neck is compressed or irritated. This condition is more common in men and most prevalent in people 50 to 54 years of age and can be recognized by a few symptoms. Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell Causes Generally speaking, a pinched nerve in the neck is caused by one of the following health conditions: Herniated disc: Rupture of the disc located between the vertebrae in your spineCervical spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canalDegenerative disc disease: Impingement or irritation of the nerve by bone spurs when arthritis develops in the spine (this is the most common cause) Symptoms While often not the first symptom described, many individuals with a pinched nerve in the neck suffer from headaches. When the upper nerve roots are involved, the headache is described as a cervicogenic headache. However, headaches caused by lower nerves in the neck are more common. Usually, the head pain is located on the same side as the affected nerve root and is described as aching in nature. Often times, the headache from a pinched nerve in the neck will move ("radiate") from the back of the head to the forehead, and there is tenderness present when pressure is applied to the muscles in the neck on the same side as the pinched nerve. Additional symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck may include: Muscle spasmsPain when moving the neckSame-sided shoulder and arm painNumbness and tinglingWeakness Symptoms like fever, sudden weight loss, pain that is especially worse at night, or having a history of cancer or a suppressed immune system (along with this new pain) require immediate medical attention. This is because serious medical conditions like cancer, a spinal abscess, or a condition called cervical myelopathy cause symptoms that can mimic those of radicular neck pain. Pinched Nerve Symptoms in the Neck and Back Diagnosis A thorough physical exam by your primary care physician may be all you need to diagnose a pinched nerve in your neck. One diagnostic test is called the Spurling maneuver, in which your healthcare provider will press down on the top of your head when it is turned to the affected side. If this downward pressure reproduces your symptoms (like pain, numbness, or tingling), then this is suggestive of a pinched nerve. Your doctor will also check your reflexes, as decreased deep tendon reflexes (especially of the triceps) may be present. Imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomographic myelography (CT myelography) can confirm the diagnosis of a pinched nerve but is not always necessary. Imaging is mostly used to rule out serious or even life-threatening causes for neck pain like spinal cord compression or signs of infection, stroke, or cancer, or in the case of trauma (like after a car accident). In the end, if you believe your headache is a potential symptom of a pinched nerve, please see your doctor, so a proper evaluation can be performed. Headaches Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Treatment of a Pinched Nerve in the Neck Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are generally prescribed for acute pain relief from a pinched nerve in the neck. Oral steroids are sometimes used, but long-term use should be avoided due to potential side effects. As always, please consult your doctor before taking any medication, as they all have potential adverse effects. For instance, muscle relaxants may cause sedation and NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney problems, and an allergic reaction in some people. Physical therapy is a complementary treatment to medication for a pinched nerve, as is a message. Cervical nerve root blocks, in which steroids are injected into the affected nerve to relieve inflammation, are also sometimes used if a person continues to have pain despite medication and physical therapy. If people with cervical radiculopathy continue to have symptoms despite the therapies above (usually four to six weeks), they are often referred for imaging of the spine (if not done already) and/or to a spine surgeon. A Word From Verywell If you suspect a pinched nerve as the source of your headache, speak with your healthcare provider. Do not let this headache disrupt your life and restrict activities you enjoy doing. While this may not be a condition that can be cured, with the help of your primary care physician, spine specialist, and physical therapist, you can find a therapy regimen or solution that works well for you. Pinched Nerves Are a Common Cause of Pain and Tingling Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Childress MA, Becker BA. Nonoperative management of cervical radiculopathy. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(9):746-54. The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York. Pinched nerve. American Migraine Foundation. Cervicogenic headaches. Updated October 24, 2016. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):272-80. doi:10.1007/s12178-016-9349-4 NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Pinched nerve information page. Updated March 27, 2019. Additional Reading Childress MA, Becker BA. Nonoperative management of cervical radiculopathy. Am Fam Physician. 2016 May 1;93(9):746-54. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. "The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 3rd Edition (beta version)". Cephalalgia 2013;33(9):629-808. Persson L, Carlsson J, & Anderberg L. Headache in patients with cervical radiculopathy: a prospective study with selective nerve root blocks in 275 patients. Eur Spine J.2007 July;16(7):953-9.