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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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:
- Back
- 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 does a pinched nerve in the spine feel like?
A pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, can cause a variety of sensations depending on its location and severity.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the site of compression — You may feel pain directly where the nerve is being compressed.
- Radiating pain — The pain can start at the compressed nerve and travel along the affected limb.
- Tingling, numbness, or burning — These sensations may occur in the area served by the affected nerve and can range from mild to intense.
A pinched nerve typically feels like pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the affected area, and these sensations may radiate outward from the site of compression.
Can nerve damage cause swelling?
Yes, a pinched nerve can lead to inflammation. When a nerve is compressed, inflammation may develop in the surrounding tissues, causing temporary swelling due to fluid buildup. As the inflammation subsides, the swelling typically decreases. The duration and intensity of swelling depend on how severe the nerve compression is and whether effective treatment is provided to relieve pressure and support healing.
Swelling from a pinched nerve can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. With proper care — such as rest, therapeutic exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications — swelling usually improves within a few weeks.
Pinched nerve risk factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing a pinched nerve:
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 long can a nerve be compressed before permanent damage?
Some permanent nerve damage may occur if a nerve is still compressed after one to three months. The damage can be much worse if the nerve is compressed for six months or longer.
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?
Pinched nerves are common but are not always severe; some do not cause symptoms at all. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, almost 50% of middle-aged people have herniated discs or compressed nerves that don't cause pain.
More severe cases of compressed nerves that require treatment are less common.
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.
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.
How Do You Treat a Pinched Nerve?
Treating a pinched nerve typically involves a combination of rest, medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. The main goals are to relieve pain and swelling, restore function, and prevent long-term complications, such as muscle weakness or loss of muscle use.
Rest and immobilization
Rest is often the first and most frequently recommended treatment. You should stop any activities that worsen symptoms or contribute to nerve compression.
Depending on the location, you may need a splint, collar, or brace to immobilize the area for a limited time. For example, people with carpal tunnel syndrome may need to wear a wrist splint during the day and night.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles, which helps relieve pressure on the nerve.
They may also suggest modifications to daily activities that aggravate the nerve.
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroids or steroids may be prescribed if NSAIDs are not effective, either taken orally or by injection, to further minimize inflammation.
Other medications, such as anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin) or tricyclic antidepressants (nortriptyline, amitriptyline), may help with nerve-related pain.
Surgery
Surgery is considered a last resort if symptoms do not improve after several weeks to months of conservative treatments.
The procedure varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. For example, surgery may involve removing bone spurs or part of a herniated disc in the spine.
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.
