Diseases

Compressed Nerve

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Compressed nerve definition. A compressed nerve results when the nerve roots in the spinal cord are irritated or pinched. Sciatica is the lay term usually used to describe the pain caused by compression of the spinal nerves, and radiculopathy and radicular pain are the terms usually used by clinicians.

SYMPTOMS

Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include:

numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward.
tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)
muscle weakness in the affected area.
frequent feeling that a foot or hand has "fallen asleep"

CAUSES

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. In some cases, this tissue might be bone or cartilage, such as in the case of a herniated spinal disk that compresses a nerve root. In other cases, muscle or tendons may cause the condition.