Pinched nerve (trapped nerve)
A pinched nerve happens when nearby tissue, such as bone, muscle, tendon, or swollen tissue, presses on a nerve and stops it working properly. It's not a formal medical diagnosis; doctors usually describe the specific problem behind it, such as sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome, once they know the cause.
What are the common causes of a pinched nerve?
Common causes include:
- wear and tear in the spine (osteoarthritis), which can narrow the space nerves pass through
- a herniated disc, where the cushioning between your spinal bones bulges or leaks and presses on a nerve
- repetitive movements, such as typing, cycling, or manual work
- an awkward position held for a long time, or poor posture
- an injury, sprain, or swelling in the tissue surrounding a nerve
- being overweight, which adds pressure on nerves, especially in the spine
- pregnancy, which commonly causes carpal tunnel syndrome that improves after birth.
Less often, a pinched nerve is linked to something else, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions that inflame your joints
- diabetes
- an underactive or overactive thyroid
- a broken bone, dislocated joint, or scar tissue
- a tumour or cyst pressing on a nerve.
Are there different types of a pinched nerve?
Yes. A pinched nerve is usually named after where it happens and which nerve is affected. Common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Affecting the median nerve in your wrist
- Cubital tunnel syndrome: Affecting the ulnar nerve in your elbow
- Sciatica: Affecting the sciatic nerve in your lower back, hip, or leg
- Cervical radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in your neck that can cause pain down your arm
- Meralgia paresthetica: Affecting a nerve in your thigh
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Affecting a nerve in your ankle or foot.
How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?
A doctor will examine you, checking your muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the affected area, and ask about your symptoms and any activities that make them worse.
If needed, they may arrange further tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to look at the bones and soft tissue, or a nerve conduction study (sometimes called an EMG) to check how well your nerves are working.
How is a pinched nerve treated?
Mild symptoms often improve with simple self-care at home over 1 to 2 weeks. This might include:
- resting the affected area and avoiding activities that make the pain worse
- applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling, then switching to heat once the initial pain has settled
- taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and inflammation
- gentle stretching, stopping if it causes more pain
- adjusting your posture, or using a splint to rest the area, especially at night.
If symptoms don't improve, a physiotherapist can design a programme of strengthening and stretching exercises, along with hands-on treatment such as massage, to help relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce the chance of it happening again.
If home care and physiotherapy aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe stronger medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, steroid injections, or medicines that target nerve pain directly, such as gabapentin or pregabalin.
Surgery is usually only considered if there's a clear physical cause, such as a herniated disc, and your symptoms are severe, long-lasting, or haven't responded to other treatments. The aim is to relieve pressure on the nerve, and the exact procedure depends on what's causing the compression.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, haven't improved after a couple of weeks of self-care, or are affecting your daily life. Get medical help urgently if you have:
- sudden or rapidly worsening weakness in an arm or leg
- numbness affecting your groin or inner thighs
- loss of control over your bladder or bowel
- a fever alongside your symptoms
- severe pain following a significant injury, such as a fall or accident.
FAQs
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Can a pinched nerve heal on its own?
Yes, in many cases. Mild pinched nerves often settle within a few weeks with rest, gentle stretching, and simple pain relief. If your symptoms haven't improved after this time, or if they're getting worse, see your doctor.
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What does a pinched nerve feel like?
A pinched nerve can cause a range of sensations, including tingling or 'pins and needles', numbness, a burning or electric feeling, or sharp, stabbing pain that travels along the nerve. You might also notice weakness, or a feeling that the affected limb has 'fallen asleep'.
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Can a pinched nerve cause permanent damage?
It can, if the compression is severe or goes untreated for a long time, typically more than 6 weeks. This is why it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving with simple self-care.
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What is cauda equina syndrome, and why is it an emergency?
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious form of nerve compression at the bottom of your spine. It can cause numbness around your groin or inner thighs, weakness in both legs, and loss of bladder or bowel control, and needs emergency surgery to prevent permanent damage, so seek help immediately if you notice these symptoms.
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Can sleeping position cause a pinched nerve?
Yes. Sleeping in an awkward position, or keeping your neck or back in one position for a long time, can put pressure on a nerve and lead to symptoms. Using a supportive pillow, adjusting how you sleep, or wearing a soft collar or splint at night may help.
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Do I need surgery for a pinched nerve?
Most people don't. Surgery is usually only considered when there's a clear physical cause, such as a herniated disc, and your symptoms are severe, long-lasting, or haven't responded to other treatments. Your doctor can advise whether it's the right option for you.