A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Symptoms of a pinched nerve may include:
- Sharp, intense pain that extends beyond a single body part
- Pain that radiates outward, from one body part to another
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve
- Tingling or "pins and needles" sensations (paresthesia)
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Reduced grip strength
- Feeling like a body part has "fallen asleep"
The symptoms of a pinched nerve can vary depending on the location of the affected nerve. For example, a pinched nerve in the lower spine may cause pain that radiates down the back of the leg, while a pinched nerve in the wrist can lead to pain and numbness in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome) . If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.