Pinched Nerve: What Is It and What Are the Symptoms?

Busy daily activities often trigger various health complaints, such as back, neck or other limb pain, which are quite common for many people. According to data from Health Data, as many as 619 million people in the world have experienced back pain in their lives. One of the causes of back pain, especially pain that radiates to the lower part, is a pinched nerve.

If Premier Friends feel pain radiating down their back, arms or legs, accompanied by a tingling or numb sensation, it could be a sign of a condition called a pinched nerve. What is a pinched nerve? And what are the characteristics? Come on, see the complete review in this article!

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Pinched nerves, or in medical terms called entrapment neuropathy, is a condition where the nerves are compressed or pinched by the surrounding tissue, such as bones, muscles or tendons. It can occur in various parts of the body, but most often occurs in the spine (including the neck and lower back), and the wrists. Pressure on these nerves can disrupt nerve signals or function to and from the brain, causing various uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain and tingling. 

Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Pinched nerve symptoms can vary depending on which nerve is compressed and the severity. Some common symptoms that often appear include:

Pain or a burning sensation that spreads down the leg

One of the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve is a sharp pain or burning sensation that radiates from the lower back down the leg. This pain is often made worse by certain physical activities, such as standing or walking for too long. This sensation occurs because compressed nerves send pain signals to the brain. 

Pain that spreads from the neck down the arm

If a pinched nerve occurs in spinal section neck, you may feel pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders, forearms, to the fingers. This pain is often accompanied by muscle weakness and decreased sensitivity in the affected area. 

Tingling Sensation

A tingling sensation or paresthesia often accompanies pain in a pinched nerve. This sensation can occur in various parts of the body, depending on the location of the pinched nerve. 

Numbness

Numbness or loss of sensation is another common symptom of a pinched nerve. The area affected by this symptom may feel tingling or like a needle prick.

Weakness In Legs

Pinched nerves can cause muscle weakness in the legs, so Premier Friends may have difficulty walking, standing, or lifting heavy objects. This weakness occurs because nerve signals are disrupted, so the muscles do not receive commands properly.

Reduced Grip Strength

Apart from the spine, the nerves in the wrist are also susceptible to compression which can cause decreased hand grip strength. This can make daily activities such as opening bottle caps or activities that use hand strength difficult. 

Pain that Changes When Changing Position

Certain body positions can worsen or relieve pain caused by a pinched nerve. For example, bending forward may worsen the pain of a pinched nerve in the lower back, while lying with your knees bent may provide some relief. 

Bowel or Bladder Incontinence

In severe cases, a pinched nerve can affect the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, causing incontinence or difficulty controlling urination or defecation. 

Causes of Pinched Nerves

Reporting from the Medical News Today page, common causes of pinched nerves include: herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) or better known as slip disc, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, injuries resulting from accidents (such as strenuous exercise, or sudden movements), and poor posture over a long period of time, such as sitting hunched over or lifting weights incorrectly.

If you feel the characteristics above, or even experience a pinched nerve, don't worry. To get the right diagnosis and treatment, you can consult with Neurologist at Premier Jatinegara Hospital.

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