A pinched nerve often feels like tingling, numbness, burning, sharp pain, or “pins and needles”. It can also feel like a body part has fallen asleep , and sometimes the discomfort spreads outward from the irritated nerve area.

Common feelings

  • Tingling or prickling sensation.
  • Numbness or reduced feeling.
  • Burning or sharp, aching pain.
  • “Pins and needles” or a limb that feels asleep.
  • Muscle weakness in the affected area.

What it can look like by location

  • Neck: pain may travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
  • Lower back: pain can shoot into the hip, leg, or foot, sometimes like sciatica.
  • Wrist or elbow: tingling, numbness, or weaker grip in the hand and fingers.

When to get checked

If the symptoms are severe, getting worse, lasting more than a short time, or causing weakness , it’s a good idea to see a clinician. If you want, I can also help you tell the difference between a pinched nerve and muscle strain.