Is It a Pinched Nerve or Something More? A Neurologist Explains

A “pinched nerve” is a term many people use to describe sharp, burning, or radiating pain. But what is a pinched nerve, really? And when should you see a neurologist instead of just waiting it out?

Our pain management team at Integrated Neurology Services is here to help you find answers. We offer advanced neurologic care, and we have the expertise to discern minor nerve irritation from conditions requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment. If you’re dealing with pain, tingling, or numbness, here’s what you need to know.

The basics of pinched nerves

A pinched nerve happens when tissues surrounding a nerve — such as muscles, tendons, bones, or cartilage — put excessive pressure on a nerve. The pressure squeezes the nerve and interferes with the nerve’s ability to send normal signals. This is what leads to characteristic symptoms like burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. 

Nerves play a critical role in movement, sensation, and reflexes. When one is pinched, nearby muscles may feel weak or fatigued, and the sensation carried by the nerve may feel disrupted. Symptoms can appear anywhere in your body, but they’re most common in the neck, lower back, arms, and legs.

Common symptoms of a pinched nerve

The exact symptoms of a pinched nerve vary depending the nerve that’s affected and its location, but common signs include:

• Sharp, burning, or aching pain radiating from a specific area
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area
• Weakness or reduced coordination
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions

For example, a pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain, tingling, or weakness down your arm, while one in your lower back may cause similar symptoms down your leg (sciatica). These symptoms often flare with specific activities and improve with rest or repositioning.

When to get evaluated by a neurologist

Most pinched nerves resolve with time, rest, and the right care — but there are some important signs that suggest your symptoms might be something more serious. Consider scheduling an appointment with a neurologist if you experience:

Progressive or worsening symptoms

If numbness, tingling, or weakness progressively increases or spreads despite rest and home care, that can indicate deeper nerve dysfunction.

Constant pain unrelated to position or activity

Pain that persists at rest, wakes you at night, or doesn’t improve with changes in posture or activity needs further evaluation.

Significant weakness or loss of function

New or increasing weakness, loss of hand grip, foot drop, or difficulty with coordination are signs that nerve conduction is being affected more profoundly.

Symptoms in multiple areas

When numbness or tingling appears in more than one area, such as both hands or both feet, it suggests possible systemic involvement rather than a localized pinched nerve.

Symptoms accompanied by other neurologic signs

Vision changes, balance issues, cognitive changes, or bladder/bowel dysfunction along with pain or numbness are not typical of simple nerve compression and require neurologic assessment to prevent permanent loss of function

Conditions that can mimic or accompany nerve compression

Several neurologic disorders can produce symptoms similar to a pinched nerve, but they require distinct treatment strategies. 

Neuropathy (peripheral nerve damage) from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, toxins, or autoimmune conditions can cause widespread numbness, burning, or tingling in your feet and hands. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects your central nervous system, and can produce varied neurologic symptoms like sensory loss and weakness.

Neuromuscular diseases are disorders affecting nerve-muscle communication, like myasthenia gravis or inflammatory myopathies. These conditions can cause weakness, fatigue, and coordination problems that go beyond simple nerve compression.

In addition, other structural or inflammatory conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs can compress multiple nerves or nerve roots. These types of conditions may not respond to typical pinched-nerve remedies, and often require additional testing to diagnose.

We can help you find answers

Pinched nerves are common — but it’s important to remember that tingling and numbness doesn’t always mean it’s a pinched nerve. At Integrated Neurology Services, we combine expert assessment, advanced diagnostics, and individualized treatment planning to help you understand your symptoms and find effective relief.

Call our offices in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, Virginia, at 703-313-9111 or send us a message online to schedule an appointment with our team.