Nerve Compression (Pinched Nerve)

When you have a pinched nerve, you may experience tingling, weakness, and pain ranging from mild to sharp and intense. The pain may radiate from the compressed nerve to other areas of your body.

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On this page

• What Is a Pinched Nerve?
• What Are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?
• How Do You Diagnose a Pinched Nerve?
• How Do You Treat a Pinched Nerve?

What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve — also called a compressed nerve — happens when surrounding tissues place too much pressure on the nerve.

Nerves are tiny fibers that carry messages from our brains throughout our bodies and back to our brains.

When nerves pass through very small spaces — such as your joints — it is easier for them to become compressed or pinched. Compression or pinching means there is too much pressure on the nerve.

A compressed or pinched nerve can occur between tissues such as:

• Bones.
• Fluid in our joints.
• Ligaments.
• Tendons.

Common places to have compressed nerves are in your:

• Feet
• Fingers
• Hands
• Knees
• Legs
• Shoulders
• Toes
• Wrist

What causes a pinched nerve?  

Nerve compression can have many causes.

For instance, the vertebrae (bones) that form the spine (backbone) are cushioned by small, round, flat discs. When these discs are damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease, they may bulge or break open. This condition is called herniated or slipped disc.

If the herniated disc irritates or presses on a nerve root, it may cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.

Other causes of pinched nerves include:

• Accidents and trauma.
• Broken bones and bone spurs.
• Bruises or cysts.
• Diabetes and high blood sugar levels.
• Dislocated joints.
• External force (such as hitting your elbow).
• Inflammation and swelling within the joints from arthritis.
• Repetitive movements.

What are pinched nerve risk factors and complications?

Pinched nerve risk factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing a pinched nerve:

• Age, as older people have more body wear and tear.
• Bone spurs.
• Bad posture.
• Injuries or trauma like falls or fractures.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• Pregnancy changes in the body.
• Repetitive movements, such as typing or assembly line work.

Complications of a pinched nerve

If left untreated, a pinched nerve can lead to complications like:

• Chronic pain that becomes difficult to manage.
• Loss of function or mobility in the affected limb or body part.
• Muscle atrophy or a gradual wasting away.
• Muscle weakness that can impact daily activities.
• Numbness/tingling that may not go away.
• Permanent nerve damage that may be irreversible.

How can I prevent a pinched nerve?

To reduce your risk of a pinched nerve: 

• Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
• Incorporate strength and flexibility exercises into your routine to keep muscles and joints strong and flexible.
• Maintain a healthy weight to prevent putting added pressure on nerves.
• Stay active by walking or getting regular exercise.
• Take periodic breaks if you engage in repetitive activities to avoid nerve and muscle overuse.
• Use good posture when sitting, standing, or sleeping to reduce pressure on your nerves.
• Work ergonomically by adjusting your workstation to reduce body strain and keeping your computer screen at eye level.

How common is a pinched nerve? 

According to the American Family Physician, peripheral neuropathy, which includes conditions like pinched nerves, affects 1% to 7% of the U.S. population.

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What Are the Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerve or nerve compression symptoms include:

• Pain where the nerve is compressed.
• Pain that begins at the compressed nerve but travels along the affected limb.
• Tingling, numbness, or burning.
• Weakness in the affected body part.

For example, if you have nerve compression in your wrist, you might feel some numbness or tingling in your hand. Or, a pinched nerve in your shoulder might cause pain that travels to your back or down your arm.

When should I see a doctor about my pinched nerve symptoms? 

Call your doctor when your pinched nerve symptoms cause discomfort or interfere with your ability to do your daily activities.

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How Do You Diagnosis a Pinched Nerve?

To determine if you have a pinched or compressed nerve, your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. During the exam, they may move your affected limbs in particular ways or press on the joints.

Your doctor may order an electromyogram (nerve conduction study) to confirm the diagnosis. Nerve conduction studies use weak electrical stimulation to measure whether the nerve can carry signals to and from the brain.

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How Do You Treat a Pinched Nerve?

The first goal of nerve compression treatment is to reduce your pain and any swelling associated with the compression. The long-term goal is to reduce the chances that your pinched nerve will cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle use.

Medicine for pinched nerves

Your doctor may:

• Treat you with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling.
• Prescribe corticosteroids or steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling if NSAIDs do not work well for you.
• Suggest immobilizing your affected limb so that it can rest, but for limited times.

Surgery for nerve compression

In more severe cases, doctors may use nerve compression surgery as a last resort for treating your pinched nerve.

Is nerve compression reversible?

Nerve compression can sometimes be reversible if treated early. Early intervention can help relieve pressure on the nerve and prevent permanent damage. However, if left untreated for an extended period, nerve compression can lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-05-16.