How to know if you have a pinched nerve
If you have ever felt a sudden tingling down your arm or shooting pain through your lower back, you may have been experiencing a pinched nerve.
A pinched nerve, also referred to as a compressed nerve, occurs when surrounding tissue – often a herniated disk, bone spur or tight muscle – presses on a nerve root. Compression most often happens in the neck, back or wrist, but it can develop anywhere.
Compressed nerves are also caused by performing repetitive movements, having a condition that causes inflammation and carrying excess weight.
Common pinched nerve symptoms:
- Sharp or burning pain: Neck compression may radiate down the arm, while lumbar compression can travel to the buttock, thigh or foot.
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation: This numb, prickly feeling often shows up after sitting or sleeping in one position too long.
- Muscle weakness: Tasks you usually handle with ease — gripping a coffee mug or lifting groceries — can suddenly feel taxing or challenging.
- Worsening discomfort with certain movements: Pain may spike when you tilt your head, twist your torso or extend your wrist a certain way.
If symptoms persist longer than a few days or interfere with daily activities, that’s your cue to call a medical professional. Ignoring nerve compression can lead to permanent damage, so early evaluation and treatment is key.
Most pinched nerves improve within four to six weeks through nonsurgical care, which includes:
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises stretch tight muscles and strengthen supporting muscles, easing pressure on nerves.
- Medications. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Activity modification. Focus on rest and avoid heavy lifting or repetitive motions to prevent further irritation.
For persistent or severe compression, your health care provider may offer steroid injections to shrink local inflammation. Surgery is an option when conservative measures have failed.
Signs your pinched nerve needs medical attention:
- Progressive weakness in the limb
- The pain or numbness spreads to other previously unaffected areas
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain that disrupts sleep or your ability to perform everyday tasks
Dr. Derek Orton is an orthopedic surgeon at Aurora Health Care.
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