What is a Pinched Nerve
and How is it Treated?

The nerves in our bodies deliver sensory information from body to brain, and carry movement instructions from brain to body. When the surrounding tissue or structures compress the nerve, it reduces its ability to perform these delivery functions properly. As a result, tingling, numbness or pain is felt from the compression, or pinching, and is called a pinched nerve. 

Suffering from symptoms of a pinched nerve? Take the first step toward finding relief and start your diagnosis with our free interactive pain assessment.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Spine & Orthopedic Experts

Pain Management

Find out how we’re taking extra care—so you don’t have to delay your treatment. Learn More

How Do I Know if I Have a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure (compression) is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. In some cases, this tissue might be bone or cartilage, in other cases it can be muscle or tendons causing the condition.

Common Pinched Nerve Causes

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

Common Pinched Nerve Symptoms

Pinched nerves can occur at any point in the spine, and the intensity of the pain often varies depending on the location of the compression and nerves involved. If you are experiencing a pinched nerve, you may also experience any of the following symptoms: 

  • Radiating pain or burning that can travel outward from the pinched nerve to adjacent limbs. 
  • Concentrated pain, ranging from minor aches to debilitating discomfort. 
  • Numbness or tingling sensations at the point of nerve compression or radiating out to limbs. 
  • Muscle weakness or spasms near the nerve or in adjacent muscles supplied by the nerve. 
  • Increased pain while holding certain positions, alleviated when shifting positions or stretching. 
  • In severe cases, loss of bladder/bowel control can occur. 

Are you experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve? Start your diagnosis with our confidential interactive tool below to find out more about your condition. 

How is a Pinched Nerve Treated?

Pinched nerve treatment consists of treating the underlying condition responsible for the nerve compression. During your diagnosis for a pinched nerve, you will likely undergo a variety of tests, such as and MRI, to help shed more light on your specific condition. 

Non-surgical Treatments for a Pinched Nerve
Typically, conservative, non-surgical treatments are the first step in dealing with pinched nerves, but this can be dependent on the severity of the underlying issue. Non-surgical treatment options include:
Surgical Treatments for a Pinched Nerve

Once non-surgical options have been exhausted, or the progression of the pinched nerve has become severe, surgery may be the best path forward to finding pain relief.

Surgical treatment options for a pinched nerve include:


If you are suffering from painful symptoms associated with a pinched nerve and are ready to take the next step, try our interactive treatment finder below to find the right treatment for you. 

Find Relief From
Your Painful Condition

Find My
Treatment

What's Causing
My Pain?

MRI
Review

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
CALL US NOW

Didn't find what you were looking for?
Our patient advocates are here to answer all your questions.
Call us now at (323) 825-0261 or submit the form to request a callback.