A person would suffer from a pinched nerve when any kind of pressure is applied to a particular nerve by the surrounding tissue. This can cause disruption and irritation in the functioning of the nerve. On-the-job injuries often lead to pinched nerves.


An example of a compressed nerve is when you feel that your hand or foot has fallen asleep.

A nerve is basically an extension from the brain that can reach out to the legs or arms, and can go to the skin or muscles. A nerve is extremely small in size, and the fibers of the nerve can be several feet long.


A central nerve is that nerve that is located in the brain or sheathed inside the spinal cord. A peripheral nerve is that nerve that leaves the spine and goes into the legs or arms. These nerves are bundles of several million nerve fibers that branch out from the spinal cord and reach out to the target muscles and signal them to move, or reach out to the skin and provide feeling.

Causes of Pinched Nerves: A pinched nerve can happen due to several different reasons. Generally, pinched nerves are a result of stretching, constriction or compression. A nerve might get pinched when it leaves the spine and encounters a bone spur or a herniated disc. Joint disease, repetitive motions, an injury or pregnancy can also cause pinched nerves.

Symptoms of Pinched Nerves: Some of the symptoms one would experience from a pinched nerve vary from pain that radiates outward from the injured area to a burning sensation or a pins and needles like feeling; or, numbness in the area.

Complications of a Pinched Nerve: Some of the complications that could develop from a pinched nerve include tennis elbow, tarsal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy. The extent of these injuries could vary from temporary minor damage to  a permanent damage. It is important to diagnose the problem early in order to prevent further complications or damage.

Treatment for Pinched Nerves: Pinched nerves can be treated. The treatment aims at making more space for the nerve. This could be done by increasing the nerve’s mobility through scar tissue that may have formed around the nerve. One could even with the help of some pinched nerve exercises shrink the inflamed tissue that surrounds the nerve while also removing the bone spurs or the disc that is pressing on the nerve.

Pinched nerves are generally treated with cortisone injections, physical therapy, medication or surgery. Corticosteroids can bring relief from the pain. A collar or a splint may also be used to treat pinched nerves. You will also be asked to rest enough to help your body heal. The best remedies for pinched nerves for you would be found only when you consult your local doctor.