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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffPinched nerve signs and symptoms include:
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve.
- Sharp or burning pain, which may radiate outward. When the pinched nerve comes directly from the spinal cord, coughing or sneezing may aggravate the pain.
- Tingling, "pins and needles" sensations (paresthesia).
- Muscle weakness or twitching 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.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if the signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve last for several days and don't respond to self-care measures, such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
References
- Sheon RP. Overview of the nerve entrapment syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 12, 2010.
- NINDS Pinched nerve information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pinchednerve/pinchednerve.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2010.
- Rutkove SB. Overview of lower extremity peripheral nerve syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 12, 2010.
- Nerve compression disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec04/ch042/ch042f.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2010.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2010.
- Scott KR, et al. Etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2010.
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00332. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
- Miller TT, et al. Nerve entrapment syndromes of the elbow, forearm and wrist. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2010;195:585.
- Piecyk ML, et al. Neurologic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2010.
- Neuropathy (nerve damage). American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/. Accessed Nov. 15, 2010.
- Rutkove SB. Overview of upper extremity peripheral nerve syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2010.
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