How to Know if You Have a Pinched Nerve

Co-authored by Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS

Last Updated: December 13, 2022 References Approved

A pinched nerve happens when the pathway around one of your nerves gets compressed, leading to radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. This can happen anywhere, but it's most common in your back, neck, and wrists. However, these symptoms could also have other causes. How do you know if you actually do have a pinched nerve? The combination of symptoms and risk factors is the main clue that you can use. Still, you won't know for sure unless a doctor examines you, so if the symptoms don't go away within a few days, see your doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Symptoms

1
Muscle weakness: This is a common symptom of a pinched nerve in the area. Any sudden muscle weakness could be a sign that you have a pinched nerve, so don't ignore it if it doesn't go away. Pay attention to any changes in your strength to signal that you may have a pinched nerve.^{[1]
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- The pinched nerve will affect the muscles around it. For example, if you have a pinched nerve in your wrist, then your hands and fingers might weaken or your grip might be loose.
2
A "pins and needles" sensation in the affected area: This tingling sensation is usually described as a pricking or itching on your skin in the affected area. If you notice any tingling sensations or slight, prickly pain on your skin that doesn't go away, then you may have a pinched nerve.^{[2]
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- It's common for people to describe a feeling that the area has "fallen asleep."
- The tingling sensation is more common in your arms and legs, since nerves travel down these extremities.
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3
Sharp, burning, or aching pains: You may notice pain in one area of your body or pain that radiates from a specific point, which is where the nerve is pinched. This is a common sign that the nerve compressed in one spot and is triggering pain along the rest it.^{[3]
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- For example, if you have a pinched nerve in your neck, then you may notice a sharp pain in this area only or pain that radiates from this area.
- Sharp pain in your lower back may radiate down to your buttocks and legs. Conversely, pain in your upper back can radiate through your shoulders and even to your arms. Bending, straining, and lifting will make the pain worse.
4
Numbness in a particular spot: When you have a pinched nerve, the area supplied by the nerve might get numb. The area might also be tingly. This is another telltale sign of a pinched nerve.^{[4]
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- The numbness could also radiate out from the pinched spot. For example, a pinched nerve in your shoulder may lead to numbness in part of your arm.
- This might also feel like burning, numbness, or tingling in the area.^{[5]
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5
Worsening symptoms at night: It's common for all the symptoms of a pinched nerve to get worse at night. If you notice increased tingling, numbness, or pain while you're trying to sleep, then this is a big sign that you do have a pinched nerve. You might also have trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position because of the pain.^{[6]
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- Some sleeping positions might take the pressure off the nerve and make it easier to sleep. If the pain goes away in a certain position, then this is another sign of a pinched nerve.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Risk Factors and Causes

1
Obesity: Being overweight could cause your nerve pathways to swell. This puts pressure on your nerves and could pinch them off.^{[7]
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- Even if being overweight wasn't the main cause of the pinched nerve, it can make a pinched nerve worse by putting more pressure on it.
- Luckily, losing weight usually helps treat a pinched nerve.
2
Sex and gender: Women are at greater risk for developing pinched nerves, particularly carpel tunnel syndrome in their wrists. This is probably because certain nerve pathways are smaller and more likely to get pinched.
- Carpel tunnel syndrome specifically causes numbness and tingling sensations in the thumb, middle and index fingers.
- Women are also at a higher risk for pinched nerves while they're pregnant.^{[8]
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3
Repetitive or strenuous activities: Nerves get pinched more easily after repeated motions or simple overuse. For example, typing on a keyboard or knitting puts a lot of repeated pressure on your nerves. If you have hobbies or a job that requires these kinds of motions, you're at a higher risk for pinched nerves.^{[9]
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- If you're injured or disabled, prolonged bed rest can also cause pinched nerves.
- You can lower your risk for pinched nerves during repetitive activities by taking regular breaks, moving around, and stretching out to stay flexible.
4
Rheumatoid arthritis: The inflammation and swelling in your joints from rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause for pinched nerves. If you have arthritis, pay close attention to any symptoms to catch pinched nerves early.^{[10]
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- The best way to lower your risk for pinched nerves if you have arthritis is following your treatment regimen and taking all your prescribed medications to improve your condition.
5
Bone spurs: These are growths or thickening spots on your bones, which could happen after injuries or a multitude of other causes. The growths can pinch off nerve passages, producing tingling, pain, and numbness.
- Bone spurs in your back are a particular cause for pinched nerves around your spinal cord.
- Osteoarthritis causes bone thickening, which could also trigger pinched nerves.
6
Poor posture: Hunching or slouching can put a lot of pressure on your nerves, especially in your back or neck. If this is a habit of yours, then it could be the cause of your pinched nerves.
- Also avoid keeping your legs crossed while you sit. This is poor posture as well.
- Luckily, your posture is correctable. If you think your posture may be the culprit, take steps to improve your posture.
7
Diabetes: It's less common, but high blood sugar from diabetes could cause your nerves to break down and compress over time.^{[11]
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- If you do have diabetes, make sure you follow all of your doctor's recommendations to keep the condition under control. This is the best way to protect your nerves.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Medical Diagnosis

1
See your doctor if your symptoms continue for a week. Sometimes, pinched nerves heal on their own and don't require any further treatment. However, if the symptoms last for a week and don't go away with home-care methods, then it's time to see your doctor. This way, you can get a professional diagnosis and know for sure that you have a pinched nerve.^{[12]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Common at-home treatments for a pinched nerve include ice and heat, rest, and NSAID pain relievers. If these don't alleviate your symptoms, then definitely see your doctor.
- You should always see your doctor if you have a bad pinching pain that's accompanied by shooting pain.^{[13]
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2
Let the doctor do a physical exam. Your doctor will examine your body for any signs of a problem. Be sure to point out the areas where you have been having symptoms and when they started. For example, if you have been having numbness and tingling in part of your leg, then specify the area of your leg where you have these symptoms. The doctor will take a look at the area and use your descriptions to determine if you have a pinched nerve.^{[14]
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- Also include relevant information like having a repetitive job or sitting for long periods. These risk factors make pinched nerves more likely.
- Over time, a pinched nerve may cause swelling, pressure, and scarring, so your doctor may be checking for this. Let your doctor know if you have noticed any of these symptoms.
3
Undergo some imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may not be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical exam alone. Some tests your doctor may order include:^{[15]
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- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate images of the inside of your body.
- Nerve Conduction Study. For this test, a series of electrodes will be placed on your skin to measure the how your nerves respond when a small electrical current passes through them.
- Electromyography (EMG): For this test, your doctor will need to insert a needle into the muscles where your symptoms are located to test their reaction and determine if there has been any nerve damage.
- X-ray: This primarily checks for bone spurs or thickening.
4
Follow your doctor's advice to treat the pinched nerve. Treating a pinched nerve is usually simple, but it depends on where it is and how compressed the nerve is. Common treatments include rest, physical therapy, steroid injections, and NSAID pain relievers. Follow your doctor's instructions for the most effective treatment and overcome the pinched nerve.^{[16]
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- In rare occasions, you might need surgery to de-compress the nerve. This is more common with carpel tunnel syndrome, bone spurs, and herniated discs.
- You may need to make some lifestyle changes like losing weight or exercising more. These changes usually help prevent future pinched nerves.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What does a pinched nerve feel like?

Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS
Physical Therapist & Entrepreneur
Dr. Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS, is the Founder and Chief Athlete Mechanic of Clutch PT + Performance, a private physical therapy clinic specializing in sports and orthopedics in New York City. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Grahlman specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and injuries, sports performance optimization and post-operative rehabilitation. Dr. Grahlman earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is one of just a few DPTs in New York City recognized as a Fellow in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT). He is certified in Active Release Technique and Spinal Manipulation and is a TRX Suspension Training Specialist. Dr. Grahlman has spent his career treating athletes of all levels, from Ironman Champions and Olympians to marathoner moms. He consults for Triathlete, Men’s Health, My Fitness Pal and CBS News.

Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS

Physical Therapist & Entrepreneur

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You probably have a pinched nerve if you notice that you suddenly get a sharp, shooting pain when you bend or turn a part of your body, especially if it's accompanied by a numb feeling.
Question

Do pinched nerves go away on their own?

Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS
Physical Therapist & Entrepreneur
Dr. Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS, is the Founder and Chief Athlete Mechanic of Clutch PT + Performance, a private physical therapy clinic specializing in sports and orthopedics in New York City. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Grahlman specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and injuries, sports performance optimization and post-operative rehabilitation. Dr. Grahlman earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is one of just a few DPTs in New York City recognized as a Fellow in Applied Functional Science through the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT). He is certified in Active Release Technique and Spinal Manipulation and is a TRX Suspension Training Specialist. Dr. Grahlman has spent his career treating athletes of all levels, from Ironman Champions and Olympians to marathoner moms. He consults for Triathlete, Men’s Health, My Fitness Pal and CBS News.

Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFS

Physical Therapist & Entrepreneur

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Any time you feel pinching and shooting pain combined, whether you think it's a pinched nerve or not, you should get it checked out by your doctor. From a medical perspective, that can a lot of times be a red flag.

Warnings

It's always important to see a doctor if your symptoms don't go away. Continued pressure on your nerve could cause permanent damage and chronic pain.

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