A Compressed Nerve vs. A Pinched Nerve: What’s the Difference?

Nerve compression syndrome is a condition wherein muscle tissue in the body is damaged, putting pressure on a nerve connected to a limb (like your shoulder or hip). While the terms nerve compression and pinched nerve or nerve entrapment are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.

How to Tell if You Have a Pinched Nerve or a Compressed Nerve

Distinguishing between a pinched or entrapped nerve and a compressed nerve isn’t as complicated as you might think. Telling the difference starts with looking at what part of the body the symptoms are coming from.

A pinched or entrapped nerve happens when a nerve becomes trapped between tissues like bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. For example, if you’ve ever heard someone say they have a “crick in their neck,” they could be referring to a pinched nerve.

A compressed nerve refers to the squeezing of the roots of nerves in the spinal cord. This type of nerve compression impacts the entire body, with pain or similar symptoms radiating through multiple body parts instead of a concentrated area. Conditions like sciatica are often used instead of saying that a nerve is “compressed.” This commonly happens during pregnancy, in middle adulthood (ages 30-50), or after a person is sedentary for long periods. 

When should I see a doctor?

Having a compressed or pinched nerve is a reasonably common condition, but the symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing nerve-related symptoms, it is essential to pay attention to the severity of the symptoms to determine if they require medical attention. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Pain that lasts for several days and worsens with time
• Numbness or tingling that is accompanied by weakness in the affected area
• Loss of sensation, muscle function, or coordination
• Trouble performing tasks using the affected area due to pain or reduced mobility
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
  
  

Having a compressed or pinched nerve is a reasonably common condition, but the symptoms can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing nerve-related symptoms, it is essential to pay attention to the severity of the symptoms to determine if they require medical attention. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Chronic pain
• Nerve damage
• Permanent sensory loss
• Paralysis
• Lower quality of life/ mental health issues
  
  

Treatment for Nerve Entrapment in NJ

If the symptoms of a compressed or pinched nerve are mild, there are several treatment options that may be recommended by your doctor or neurologist: 

• Rest: Resting the muscles and body parts near the nerve compression gives them time to heal. Further, repetitive movement or overuse can make the compression worse. 
• Medication: A nerve compression specialist sometimes prescribes a low-dose over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or a prescription pain medicine like amitriptyline to alleviate pain from a compressed or pinched nerve. 
• Physical Therapy or Rehab: Once the pain has decreased, physical therapy or rehabilitative exercise can help strengthen the muscles around the impacted nerve. 

If your impacted nerve is causing you severe pain or is significantly limiting your ability to function for an extended time, your doctor might recommend a more invasive treatment, such as surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. A herniated disc, tumor, or bone spur are all examples of what a surgeon would remove to help stop symptoms of nerve compression. Nerve reconstruction is another popular surgery to help you regain optimal nerve function in your body. 

Getting the Right Diagnosis? 

Diagnosing nerve conditions can be tricky since many of the symptoms overlap. At the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, our plastic and reconstructive surgeons specialize in identifying and treating the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. 

To learn more about nerve compression, its causes, and treatments, visit the Center for Neuropathy in NJ or contact us to speak with a specialist.