Pinched nerve

A pinched nerve is an informal term and not a true medical term. It is used to describe one type of damage or injury to a nerve or set of nerves. The injury may result from compression, constriction, or stretching.

Symptoms include:

• Numbness
• "Pins and needles" or burning sensations
• Pain radiating outward from the injured area

One of the most common examples of a single compressed nerve is the feeling of having a foot or hand "fall asleep."

A pinched nerve frequently is associated with pain in the neck or lower back. This type of pain can be caused by inflammation or pressure on the nerve root as it exits the spine. If the pain is severe or lasts a long time, you may need to have further evaluation from your physician.

Several problems can lead to similar symptoms of numbness, pain, and tingling in the hands or feet but without pain in the neck or back. These can include peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. The extent of such injuries may vary from minor, temporary damage to a more permanent condition.

Early diagnosis is important to prevent further damage or complications. A pinched nerve is a common cause of an on-the-job injury.

The most frequently recommended treatment is rest for the affected area. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be recommended to help alleviate pain. Physical therapy is often useful, and splints or collars may be used to relieve symptoms. Depending on the cause and severity of the pinched nerve, surgery may be needed.

With treatment, most people recover from pinched nerve. However, in some cases, the damage is irreversible.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with a pinched nerve?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about pinched nerves and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with a pinched nerve at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about a pinched nerve?

Information may be available from the following resources:

MedlinePlus

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)

Content source: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pinched-nerve Accessed June 29, 2023.

The information in this document is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for personalized professional advice. Although the information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, MedLink, its representatives, and the providers of the information do not guarantee its accuracy and disclaim responsibility for adverse consequences resulting from its use. For further information, consult a physician and the organization referred to herein.