Trapped Nerve Symptoms

The brain is the main control center of the body and the nervous system is a network which delivers messages from the brain to the different parts of the body and vice versa. Signals that are sent from the brain, through the nerves, to different parts of the body are responsible for controlling various functions of the body. Damage or injury to the nerves can cause misinterpretation of these signals which can be hazardous for the body.

What is Trapped Nerve?
Trapped nerve, also known as pinched nerve, refers to a condition in which a nerve somewhere in the body gets compressed. It is generally caused by pressure applied to the nerve by the soft tissues that are present around it. Tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscles are the soft tissues responsible for this condition. The nerve is unable to come back to its original position and this prevents it from performing its normal functions. Trapped nerve can occur anywhere in the body, but the areas like neck and back are most prone to it. The trapped nerves in these areas tend to cause pain in other parts of the body like shoulders, arms and legs, where the nerves extend.

Signs of a Trapped Nerve
Symptoms of trapped nerves depend on several factors, like the spot where the nerve is trapped and the severity of compression. However, some of the common symptoms are as follows:

• Lack of sensation
• Numbness
• Tingling sensation
• Pins or needles
• Sharp pain
• Weakness
• Nerve inflammation

Neck
Compression of the brachial plexus in the root of the neck can result into trapped nerves in the neck. Nerve compression in the neck often leads to symptoms in the arms, shoulders and legs. The signs and symptoms associated with pinched nerve in neck are as follows:

• Pain in the neck
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and shoulders
• Pins or needles
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Circulation changes

Back
Trapped nerve in back arises when a nerve coming out from the spinal cord is compressed or pinched. The symptoms of trapped nerve in the back are:

• Sharp pain down the leg
• Pain in the lower back
• Numbness of the leg and feet

Shoulder
Trapped or pinched nerve in the shoulder may be caused by a number of reasons. Sometimes, the compression is so severe that it may restrict the normal blood flow to the nerve. This causes loss of sensation in the arm or fingertips where the nerve reaches. The symptoms are more or less the same as above along with the additional ones like:

• Numbness in the fingertips
• Restriction in the flexibility of the arm
• Stiffness in the shoulder
• Strain in the bicep muscles

Leg
Trapped nerve symptoms in the legs are generally caused by compressed or pinched nerves in the neck or the lower back areas. The nerves from these parts run down the hip to the legs, and thus if a nerve is trapped, its symptoms will be seen in the legs and feet. The feet and toes become numb or you can feel pins or needles pricking them. Walking or running becomes difficult in such cases.

So, these were some of the trapped nerve symptoms. If you observe any of these signs and symptoms, consult a doctor immediately and get it treated. Take Care!