What is a pinched nerve?

Even though this expression is commonly used for spinal problems, a pinched nerve (or compression injury) is actually fairly rare. Researchers suggest that only about 10% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of a bone on nerve tissue! When it happens this may lead to numbness, burning, or ‘pins and needles’. So most people don’t actually have a “pinched nerve.” Most frequently, their nerves are irritated or interfered with. This is caused when alterations to the spinal curves or muscle tension lead to a nerve being rubbed, scraped, or stretched. Another way the nerve can be interefered with is by malfunctioning spinal joints or posture issues.