Trapped Nerves, Tingling & Numbness
Pain, tingling, numbness, pins and needles or weakness can occur when a nerve becomes irritated or compressed. Explore common nerve-related symptoms and find information relevant to the area of your body affected.
What Does “Trapped Nerve” Mean?
“Trapped nerve” is a commonly used term for symptoms that can occur when a nerve becomes irritated or compressed. Depending on the nerve involved, symptoms may include pain, tingling, pins and needles, numbness, burning or weakness.
There are many possible causes of nerve-related symptoms, and where you feel them does not always identify where the problem is coming from. The sections below can help you find information relevant to the area where you're experiencing symptoms.
Where Are You Experiencing Symptoms?
Select the area where you're experiencing tingling, numbness, pins and needles or other nerve-related symptoms.
Neck & Arm
Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness travelling into the shoulder, arm or hand.
Elbow & Forearm
Tingling, numbness or weakness around the elbow, forearm or into the hand.
Wrist & Hand
Numbness, tingling, pins and needles or weakness affecting the hand or fingers.
Sciatica, tingling, numbness or weakness affecting the buttock, leg or foot.
Hip & Thigh
Lower Back & Leg
Burning, tingling, numbness or altered sensation around the hip or thigh.
Ankle & Foot
Burning, tingling, numbness or altered sensation affecting the ankle, foot or toes.
This is not an exhaustive list. Nerve-related symptoms can affect many different areas of the body and may involve other nerves or conditions not shown here. These links cover some of the more common presentations and areas we see in clinic.
When Nerve Symptoms Need Urgent Assessment
Most nerve-related symptoms are not a medical emergency. However, some symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Lower Back & Leg Symptoms
Most lower back pain and sciatica does not require emergency treatment. However, seek urgent medical attention if you develop:
New difficulty starting or controlling urination, or loss of bladder or bowel control
New numbness or altered sensation around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs (saddle area)
New changes in sexual function alongside back or leg symptoms
Severe or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs
Significant back pain following major trauma, particularly if you are at increased risk of fracture
Together, these symptoms can indicate cauda equina syndrome, a compression of the nerves at the base of the spine that requires urgent medical assessment.
Neck, Arm & General Neurological Symptoms
Most pain, tingling or numbness in the arm is related to musculoskeletal or nerve problems. However, seek urgent medical attention if symptoms:
Develop suddenly alongside facial weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, severe dizziness or loss of coordination, as these can be signs of a stroke
Occur with chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or feeling generally very unwell, particularly if pain spreads into the arm, jaw, back or shoulder
Are accompanied by sudden or rapidly worsening weakness, significant loss of coordination, difficulty walking, or new problems with bladder or bowel control
Not Sure Where Your Symptoms Fit?
Nerve-related symptoms can have different causes, and you don't need to work out what's causing them yourself. An assessment can help identify the likely source of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate next step.
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