Pinched Nerve Pressure Symptoms

While pinched nerves are a common ailment, they often result in pain, discomfort, numbness and even muscle fatigue. While the nerves at the base of the spine and neck are most commonly affected, any nerve can become "pinched," resulting in pain throughout the body. With proper rest and treatment, however, the patient should experience relief within several days.

Features

• A nerve becomes "pinched" when too much pressure is applied to the nerve by surrounding tissues, including cartilage, bones, tendons and muscles. When the nerve experiences pressure, it may disrupt the normal function of the nerve, resulting in a tingling sensation, muscle weakness, numbness and pain. Although a pinched nerve can occur anywhere on the body, the lower back, neck and shoulders are most commonly affected. When these nerves become pinched, the nerve roots are also affected, resulting in pain that may radiate from the base of the neck to the arms, hands or even legs.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

• Patients who suffer from pinched nerves often experience numbness and decreased sensation in the area that the nerve controls. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck may result in numbness and pain in the arm and wrist, as this is the area controlled by that particular nerve. In addition, patients may experience sharp or burning pain that is aggravated by coughing or sneezing. Patients may also experience tingling, a sensation of "pins and needles," muscle weakness, muscle twitching and a feeling that the foot has "fallen asleep."

Causes of Pressure to Nerves

• Pinched nerves can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Because a nerve becomes "pinched" when too much pressure is applied to it, herniated spinal discs may cause pinched nerves. In addition, muscle or tendons may apply too much pressure, and carpal tunnel syndrome may also compress nerves. Injury, osteoarthritis, stress from a repeated action or activity, poor posture and obesity may also cause nerve pressure.

Diagnosis

• A physician is able to determine whether or not a patient suffers from a pinched nerve by a quick, simple and routine exam. Generally, the physician begins by reviewing the patient's medical history and asking about recent physical activity. The physician may also inquire about the location of the pain, and any additional symptoms the patient may feel. The doctor may also ask the patient to perform a series of physical tests, including arm and leg strengthening exercises and muscle flexing, to determine the location of the pinched nerve. Medical tests, including CT scans and MRI scans, may also help confirm the cause and location of the pain. In extreme conditions, a blood test may be ordered to scan for additional medical conditions that may result in increased pressure to the nerve.

When To See A Doctor:

• Patients should contact a physician immediately if the symptoms last for several days and do not improve. In addition, if home-care remedies, including sleep and over-the-counter pain medications, do not soothe the symptoms, a physician should be notified, as this may lead to a more serious health condition. Because the pressure on the nerve often causes inflammation to the nerve, the nerve may become permanently damaged and the patient may experience chronic pain if the inflammation does not improve within several days. Once the nerve is relieved from the pressure, the nerve can function normally again.