Pinched Nerve Pain: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Pinched nerve or pulled muscle? Among the various conditions that can affect mobility, pinched nerve pain stands out due to its distinct and often debilitating symptoms. Unlike muscle pain, which is typically dull and localized, pinched nerve pain is usually sharp and can travel from one part of the body to another. Common areas affected include the neck, shoulders, wrists, elbows and lower back.

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as cartilage, disc, bone, tendon or muscle, put pressure on a nerve or group of nerves, leading to nerve compression syndrome. When pressure builds up, tissues shift to lower-pressure areas, but the nerve remains compressed if the space is too confined. Various conditions can cause nerve compression syndrome, including swelling (edema), tumors, cysts or increased tissue buildup from conditions like pregnancy, heart failure or hypothyroidism. Addressing the pinched nerve symptoms and understanding the causes and treatments of pinched nerve pain are essential for effective management and recovery.

 How Does a Pinched Nerve Feel?

The term “pinched nerve” is not a formal medical diagnosis. Healthcare professionals typically use more precise terms to describe nerve compression, such as radiculopathy or spinal stenosis. A pinched nerve can cause a range of uncomfortable sensations and can be temporary or chronic, depending on its location and severity. Common pinched nerve symptoms include:

• Sharp, aching or burning pain. A glowing nerve pathway illustration highlighting pain traveling from the neck, shoulder or back.                                                         
  

• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation.  A hand or foot with small electric sparks or dots representing nerve tingling.
  

• Numbness or reduced sensation. A foot stepping on a sharp object (like a thumbtack) but with a faded outline to show reduced sensation.
  

• Muscle weakness.  A hand struggling to grip an object, like a coffee cup slipping from the fingers.
  

• Limb “falling asleep” feeling.  A leg in a seated position with circulation lines fading, indicating a lack of feeling.
  
  

The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) may extend into the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers. A pinched nerve in the shoulder or upper back (thoracic radiculopathy) can cause discomfort along the ribcage. A pinched nerve in the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy) may lead to hip pain, weakness or sciatica.

 How Do You Fix a Pinched Nerve?

When To See a Doctor For a Pinched Nerve?

While many cases of a pinched nerve improve with rest and home treatment, some symptoms require medical attention. Common pinched nerve symptoms that require immediate care include:

• Severe or Worsening Pain
• Numbness or Weakness
• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
• Fever
• Recent Trauma or Injury
  

If your pain is severe, getting worse or not improving after two weeks, it is time to consult a doctor to prevent further complications. Early intervention can help restore function and reduce long-term nerve damage. We’re here for you, always.