Pinched nerves can be quite a painful condition. Resulting from too much pressure applied to the nerves by surrounding tissue, a person with this condition typically experiences tingling, numbness, decreased sensation, sharp or burning pain, muscle weakness and twitching. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere in the body; however, according to the Mayo Clinic, the most common areas for pinched nerves are in the neck, lower back, wrist and elbow.
Neck and Lower Back
Pinched nerves in the neck or lower back are caused by a herniated spinal disk, arthritis, bone spurs or spinal stenosis--the causes of pinched nerves are a result of a bone or cartilage applying too much pressure to the nerve. According to the Mayo Clinic, a herniated spinal disk compresses a nerve root.
Wrist and Elbow
Pinched nerves in the wrist are caused by the condition carpal tunnel syndrome, and pinched nerves in the elbow are caused by cubital nerve syndrome. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is compressed, while the ulnar nerve is compressed in cubital tunnel syndrome. The nerve compression in these two syndrome are a result of swollen tendon sheaths in the tunnel, an enlarged bone that narrows the size of the tunnel and a thickened or degenerative ligament. According to Dr. Jason C. Eck, author of "Pinched Nerve Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment," both types of syndromes are common in people with diabetes or who perform repetitive activity involving the wrist or elbow.
Other Causes
Other causes of pinched nerves include injury, poor posture, osteoarthritis and obesity. Dr. Eck adds that a family history of pinched nerves can increase a person's risk. In addition, he suggests using braces, medication, physical therapy and surgery as ways to cope with the causes and symptoms of pinched nerves.
