Depending on the movement or activity, a pinched nerve may induce shooting or stabbing pain. If pinched nerves are not treated right away, they can be quite painful and uncomfortable. As nerve roots exit the spinal canal and transmit sensations to various parts of the body, the lower back and neck are the most frequently affected locations. In this write-up, we will discuss what a pinched nerve feel like, causes and treatment.
What Does A Pinched Nerve Feel Like?
In general, symptoms and signs of a pinched nerve lead us to believe that pressure is being placed on the nerve. Now the question arises, what does a pinched nerve feel like? These signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
- A feeling of the hand or foot falling asleep.
- A burning or numbing sensation at the region of the pinch, and a sharp, stabbing pain.
Weakness in the muscles that the nerve supplies. For instance, a pinched nerve in the calf can result in numbness and tripping over one’s feet. - In more severe situations, a pinched nerve can impair bodily functions like bladder and bowel control.
- Cauda equina syndrome is a dangerous disorder caused by pressure on lower back nerves.
Unexplained discomfort may occasionally result from a pinched nerve. - Nerve compression elicits electric, shooting sensations or prickling tingles. This occurs more frequently when moving the affected body part.
- Prolonged severe nerve compression deprives muscles of stimulation, resulting in atrophy or wasting. This advanced symptom indicates permanent nerve damage.
Causes Of Pinched Nerve
Now that you know what does a pinched nerve feel like, let’s have a look at the causes of it. A pinched nberve occurs when surrounding tissue puts pressure on a nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve’s path. The common causes of pinched nerve include:
1. Herniated Discs
Discs act as cushions between vertebrae. A herniation occurs when a disc’s outer layer tears and the inner gel protrudes. This bulge can press on spinal nerves resulting in a pinched nerve. Herniated discs often occur in the neck and lower back.
2. Bone Spurs
Extra bits of bone that form around joints, called bone spurs, can develop with arthritis and aging. Bone spurs in the spine can pinch nerves when they protrude into the spinal canal. Pinched nerves from bone spurs frequently happen in the neck and lower back.
3. Injuries
Most people who have suffered injuries end up looking for what does a pinched nerve feel like. Direct blows or trauma like car accidents and falls can injure tissues surrounding nerves. Swelling from injuries causes nerves to get pinched against bone, discs, or muscles. Any nerves in the body are susceptible to pinching after an injury.
4. Poor Posture
Bad posture like hunching the shoulders or bending the neck forward can alter alignment of the spine. This additional pressure leads to pinched nerves, often in the neck, shoulder, and arms. Maintaining proper posture helps avoid pinched nerves.
5. Pregnancy
Weight gain, postural changes, and swelling during pregnancy commonly pinches nerves. Sciatica, caused by a pinched sciatic nerve, frequently occurs late in pregnancy when the uterus compresses the lower back. Carpal tunnel in the wrist is also common.
6. Repetitive Stresses
Certain repetitive activities and motions like typing can cause muscles or tendons to become inflamed. Swelling from overuse compress nerves, like in carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist. Changing repetitive routines helps prevent nerve pinching.
7. Obesity
Excess weight presses on nerves causing them to get squeezed, especially at sites where nerves pass through confined spaces. Pinched nerves caused by obesity often occur at the wrist, elbow, legs, and lower spine. Losing weight relieves pressure.
8. Tumours
Abnormal tissue growths like cancers or benign tumours can surround nerves and pinch them. Tumours most often affect nerves when originating in the bones, muscles, or other tissues that nerves travel through. Treating the tumor resolves the pinch.
Treatments Of Pinched Nerve
Besides knowing what does a pinched nerve feel like and the causes, it is also very important to know the treatment options. Treatments aim to relieve pressure on the compressed nerve and reduce inflammation. Here are effective pinched nerve treatments:
Rest – Refrain from activities that aggravate the pinched nerve. This prevents further injury and gives the nerve time to heal. Avoid motions that trigger symptoms like bending, twisting, or lifting.
Ice/Heat – Ice reduces inflammation while heat eases muscle tension. Alternate 20 minutes of ice packs with 20 minutes of heating pads on the painful area for relief. Don’t place ice or heat directly on skin.
Pain Medication – Over-the-counter drugs like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) alleviate nerve pain and inflammation. For severe cases, prescription medications or localised anaesthetic injections can be used.
Stretching/Exercise – Gentle stretches and exercises like yoga can relax compressed nerves and loosen surrounding muscles. Low-impact activity also encourages healing.
Massage – Massage therapists can work out muscle knots or scar tissue pressing on nerves. Use gentle pressure around the nerve site, avoiding direct contact.
Physical Therapy – Specialized exercises, manual therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other modalities relieve pinched nerves. A physical therapist tailors a program for each patient.
Posture Correction – Improving posture through cues, braces, or therapy takes pressure off pinched nerves, especially in the neck or back. Posture modification should be maintained even after the nerve compression resolves.
Chiropractic Adjustments – Spinal manipulation by chiropractors realigns vertebrae to create more space around nerves. Results are often temporary so repeated visits are needed.
Steroid Injections – Cortisone or other steroid preparations injected into the pinched area decreases inflammation.
Surgery – If more conservative treatments fail, surgery like carpal tunnel release for wrist pinching or herniated disc removal in the spine may be warranted.
Overview
Knowing what does a pinched nerve feel like allows you to get treated at the right time. Usually, a pinched nerve will heal on its own in a few days. However, if the pain persists or worsens despite the use of at-home care options, you should visit your doctor.A pinched nerve can cause persistent discomfort and irreversible nerve damage if it is not treated.
