A pinched nerve in your back occurs when too much pressure is put onto your nerve by the surrounding tissues. Pinched nerves can be caused by arthritis, bone spurs, herniated discs or other degenerative diseases. Most pinched nerves can be treated conservatively and with rest. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve within a week, consult your medical care provider.
Strange Skin Sensations
Signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve in the back can be present in a variety of nerve damage sensations. Pain doesn't always play a role in having a pinched nerve. Pinched nerves can exhibit symptoms of weakness, decreased sensation and/or numbness in one or both legs without any accompanying pain. You may feel like you cannot use your affected-side foot, that your foot has fallen asleep. Numbness results from nerve fibers not operating properly and dying, according to Spine Universe. Your affected area may begin to tingle with feelings of having a pin or needle being stuck in and out of it, and exhibit burning sensations and electric sensations. A hot and cold sensation may occur.
Loss of Muscle Contraction
Pinched nerves in your back can make it difficult for your muscles to properly contract, according to Spine Universe. When nerves are restricted or pinched, blood flow is restricted. Restricted blood flow means the proper amount of nutrients aren't reaching the inside of your peripheral nerve fibers and bundles. When blood flow is hindered, the affected muscle membranes begin to lose ability to transmit minuscule electrical charges. Electrical charges play a major role in muscle contractions. The nerve fiber can eventually die when it loses the ability to transmit electrical charges. As nerve fibers die and stop working, signals are not sent to your muscles to operate. Your muscles lose their effectiveness. When enough nerve fibers die, the surrounding skin can become numb. More advanced levels of pinched nerves can result in loss of reflexes and hindering of muscle movement, according to the Southern California Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Associates.
Different Types of Pain
Pain radiating down the lower back, buttocks or leg may be the most noticeable sign or symptom of a pinched nerve in the back. Sometimes the pain can be in an area away from where the pinched nerve is--as in your calf, according to Southern California Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Associates. Termed a referred pain by Spine Universe, this pain can be burning, radiating or shooting. Pain may radiate outward, according to the Mayo Clinic. Coughing or sneezing may exacerbate the pain level. Pain can worsen during sleeping hours.
Involuntary Muscle Movements
Pinched nerves in the back can result in painful muscle spasms. Spasms occur spontaneously, with varying intensities. Muscle twitches are also symptoms of a pinched nerve, according to the Mayo Clinic.
