Amanda Balionis says pinched nerve at C4/C5 is causing shoulder pain; seeks 'final Hail Mary' before NFL travel

Amanda Balionis, a CBS Sports sideline reporter, said she is being treated for a pinched nerve at the C4/C5 level of her cervical spine that has caused pain radiating into her shoulder blade and has scheduled additional care ahead of a demanding NFL travel schedule.

Balionis, 39, posted an update on Instagram saying she had already experienced some relief following a chiropractor appointment and planned to stop heat therapy in favor of ice and over-the-counter ibuprofen. She added that she had an acupuncture appointment planned as a "final Hail Mary" before several weeks of travel tied to her NFL duties.

"Pinched nerve update: -already feeling relief from [chiropractor appointment] this morning. -pain is actually stemming from my C4/C5 and going down into my shoulder blade -I'm stopping the heat therapy, sticking to ice and advil -[acupuncture appointment] tonight for a final Hail Mary before a crazy few weeks of travel," she wrote. She also thanked followers for sharing tips and noted that others with similar pain had reached out, writing, "It is NOT fun."

Medical experts describe a pinched nerve at the C4/C5 level as a condition in which a cervical disc or vertebra compresses a nerve root in the upper neck, which can cause localized pain and pain that radiates into the shoulder blade, arm or hand. Treatment approaches commonly include a combination of physical therapy, manual therapies such as chiropractic care, medication for pain and inflammation, and in some cases procedures such as injections or surgery; acupuncture is sometimes used as an adjunctive therapy.

Balionis is part of CBS Sports' on-field reporting team for the 2025 NFL season. Her first assignment of the season is the Baltimore Ravens' home game against the Cleveland Browns. The network's NFL team this season includes veteran announcer Jim Nantz.

The reporter had been on an extended stretch of golf coverage with CBS, followed by a brief period of downtime. She posted images from a vacation in Ibiza, including a beach photograph, in the days before announcing the neck issue. Balionis has covered golf for CBS for several years and has been reporting on NFL games for eight years.

In her Instagram post, Balionis conveyed an intent to manage symptoms conservatively ahead of her upcoming assignments. She did not indicate any specific long-term prognosis or plans for invasive procedures.

Fans and colleagues have been offering well-wishes and treatment suggestions on social media following her update. CBS did not immediately respond to a request for comment about her health or any potential impact on upcoming assignments.

Neck-related nerve compression can vary in severity and duration depending on the underlying cause. Health professionals recommend that individuals with persistent or worsening neurological symptoms, such as progressive weakness, numbness, or bowel or bladder dysfunction, seek prompt medical evaluation. Otherwise, many cases are managed with activity modification, targeted therapy and pain control while the nerve inflammation settles.