What is usually done for a pinched nerve in the neck?

It depends: It seems you have Cervical radiculopathy diagnosed by MRI. And you were given Medrol (methylprednisolone) dose pack, Physical Therapy and possibly a NSAID/Pain medicine. These are good conservative approach.If you continue having progressive symptoms affecting strength of your upper Extremities tour Orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you different pressure relieving surgical procedure

Pain in the neck: ouch! neck pain can be tricky. managment depends on mechanism and symptoms. In the setting of normal xrays/CTs/MRIs, patients are usually given any of the following: NSAIDS, muscle relaxer, steroids, and sometimes narcotic pain meds. See your doctor should you develop numbness/weakness/tingling in your arms or legs.

Try to UNpinch: I recommend conservative approaches to UNpinching" nerves. According to a number of studies compressive nerve lesions can resolve themselves in 50% of cases spontaneously. So that means, mother nature does the "UNpinching" herself. Easy. In the other 50%, physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and sometimes surgery need to be employed. Try letter to the North Pole. If nothing, try neurologist

Lets review your que: depends on the severity of the nerve compression. Have you had any studies of the cervical spine such as an MRI or cat Scan? EMG might be helpful to rule out type of neuropathy and assess which nerves are affected. If it severe surgery would be the answer. Less invasive maybe injections, physical therapy, prescription meds.

Surgery: It sounds like you are under non surgical treatment right now. It is important to find out a bit more of your symptoms prior to considering an operation. Would recommend failure to non surgical modalities before surgery. Surgery can immediately assist with resolving radicular pain.