Pinched nerve is a good description of a nerve root compression. Either a bone spur or a herniated disc can “pinch” a nerve. This will result in pain down the arm or leg in the distribution of the nerve. That is- all nerves service a certain area of the extremity, either the arm, leg or chest (from a pinched nerve in the thoracic spine). If the nerve is pinched- the distribution (the area the nerve goes to) will have pain, numbness, pins and needles (paresthesias) and occasionally weakness of the muscles of that nerve.
About the Author: Donald Corenman, MD, DC
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.