Compressed Nerves

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"

The problems related to a pinched nerve may be worse when you're sleeping.

Causes

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues.

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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.

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In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a variety of tissues may be responsible for compression of the carpal tunnel's median nerve, including swollen tendon sheaths within the tunnel, enlarged bone that narrows the tunnel, or a thickened and degenerated ligament.

A number of conditions may cause tissue to compress a nerve or nerves, including:

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• Injury

• Rheumatoid or wrist arthritis

• Stress from repetitive work

• Hobbies or sports activities

• Obesity

If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there's usually no permanent damage. Once the pressure is relieved, nerve function returns to normal. However, if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur.