Can a pinched nerve in back of neck kill you or cause you to not be able to swollow? pain is base of skull into ear and up to top of skull.

Pinched nerve: Occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. The common symptoms are numbness, sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward to your ear, eye, pharynx and extremities. Treatment: physical therapy, medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and acupuncture. The treatment is usually effective and no need to die. Rec.: see a pain management specialist.