Is a pinched nerve in the neck life threatening if action is not taken quickly.?

No: A problem that compromises the spinal cord itself would be urgent and serious. The garden variety "pinched nerve" problem in the cervical spine could cause serious pain and sometimes muscle weakness, but is not life threatening. It only affects one or two nerves, and causes symptoms only in the upper part of the body.

No: A "pinched nerve" can be many things. It can be diagnosed by symptoms and examination alone, but an imaging study such as a MRI can tell the degree of nerve root compression if it is from a disc herniation. A pinched nerve is never fatal but can be painful and result in a motor or sensory problem if serious. There are many basic rx including antiinflammatories and oral steroids if indicated.