A pinched nerve in the upper back and neck is common due to the intricate structure of the spinal cord and vertebrae in this area. A 2003 article in "The Spine Journal" explains that a pinched nerve in the upper back can occur due to disintegration of the intervertebral discs; spondylosis, or arthritis in the vertebrae; and stenosis, or narrowing of the cervical canal in the spine. Injury and wear and tear can also lead to bony spurs that impinge on the narrow vertebral canal. A pinched nerve may cause several symptoms that vary in severity. Consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis and plan of treatment.
Pain
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that a pinched nerve may not always result in pain. However, some patients may have radiating pain that will be felt in the upper back, shoulders, neck and limbs. Nerve pain can occur at the direct site of vertebral degeneration or as referred pain in other areas of the body. In some cases, a pinched nerve in the upper back can cause debilitating pain and loss of mobility.
Numbness and Weakness
A pinched nerve in the upper cervical area of the back can obstruct nerve impulses traveling to and from the shoulder, arms and hands as well as the legs and feet. This can lead to muscle motor weakness, spasms and loss of muscle control in the limbs. UMMC notes that numbness or loss of sensory feeling may also occur in the arms, hands, legs and feet. In some cases, position sense that helps coordinate muscle movement and reflexes may also decreased. This can make walking, jogging, and running difficult or uncomfortable.
Tingling
A pinched nerve in the upper back can also cause tingling sensations that are more often noticeable in the hands, arms, legs and feet and can be similar to the feeling that occurs when, for example, a foot "falls asleep." Tingling sensations can occur when pressure on the nerves leads to nerve disorders such as cervical myelopathy, according to the website Spine Universe.
Loss of Bladder and Bowel Function
MayoClinic.com explains that a pinched nerve may also affect other areas of the body, such as the bladder and bowel. This can cause weakness or loss of control of bowel and bladder functions. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, partial or complete urinary incontinence, and difficulty urinating.
References
- "The Spine Journal"; Cervical Myelopathy: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies; Charles C. Edwards II, M.D., January 2003
- University of Maryland Spine Program: A Patient's Guide to Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- Spine Universe: Exercise to Relieve Spondylosis Pain
- Mayo Clinic: Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
