The peripheral nervous system is a nerve network consisting of over 100 billion nerve cells that control body movement as well as provide sensation to various areas. When the nervous system is working properly, nerve signals travel down the nerve cells quickly and efficiently. When the nerve is pinched, sensations and movement are disrupted.
Causes
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by surrounding tissues, disrupting proper nerve signaling. Back pain from a pinched nerve is usually caused by a herniated disk, which is a condition in which one of the disks in the spinal column rupture and compress the nerve root in the spinal column.
Symptoms
A pinched nerve from a herniated disk can cause back pain that radiates through the buttock and down the leg. According to MayoClinic.com, the pain may be sharp, burning or aching. In addition to pain, there may be numbness, weakness or tingling in the same area.
Treatment
A pinched nerve can usually be treated by rest alone. In some cases, over-the-counter pain medications and physical therapy may also be helpful. If the pinched nerve does heal after several weeks, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure.
