Did shooting pain just run down your arm or leg? If so, you may have a pinched nerve or radicular pain.[2] A pinched nerve (radiculopathy nerve entrapment) happens when something—like a bone, muscle, or other tissue—puts too much pressure on a nerve. That pressure can cause annoying symptoms like “pins and needles”, numbness, tingling, or sharp, shooting pain.[1]
Pinched nerves can occur in various parts of the body, but they most often affect the neck and lower back. It’s a fairly common issue that can affect anyone, but it tends to occur more frequently in adults over 50.[2]
So, can a pinched nerve go away on its own? Sometimes—but not always. Let’s take a closer look at when rest and time might be enough to feel better, and when it’s a sign you should talk to your doctor. If the pain sticks around or starts to interfere with your daily life, it could be turning into something more chronic, and that’s when it’s time to take it seriously.
So, Will My Pinched Nerve Go Away on Its Own?
The short answer: sometimes yes, but not always. Mild cases of inflamed or pinched nerves that feel like your foot or hand has “fallen asleep” can often be improved with conservative at-home care, including rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications.[1] Your symptoms usually start to improve within a few days to a few weeks if the nerve compression is minor and you’re giving your body the chance to recover.[3]
But if your pain, numbness, or tingling sticks around—or gets worse—it’s a signal that you might be dealing with something more serious. If your symptoms don’t improve after several weeks, or if you notice muscle weakness, it’s time to see a doctor. [1] Ongoing nerve compression can lead to chronic pain or even permanent nerve damage if left untreated. [4]
Why Do I Have a Pinched Nerve?
Arthritis, sciatica, sports injuries, accidents, repetitive motions or overuse at work, and general wear and tear on the body over time can cause painful nerve compression.[1] The most common types of pinched nerves include those in the neck (cervical spine), lower back (lumbar spine), wrist (like carpal tunnel syndrome), shoulder, or hip, depending on where the nerve is being compressed.[5]
What Can Be Mistaken For A Pinched Nerve?
Pinched nerves can feel similar to other conditions, which is why obtaining the correct diagnosis is crucial. Some common lookalikes include:
- Muscle strains [6]
- Herniated discs [7]
- Joint problems [1]
- Neuropathy [8]
- Poor circulation [9]
A pain management specialist can help pinpoint the actual source of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment path.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve might seem like no big deal at first, but ignoring it can lead to long-term nerve damage or chronic pain. Conditions such as arthritis, repetitive motion, and diabetes can further compress your nerves, and the radicular pain and condition can worsen without treatment.[10]
When nerve pain sticks around, it can disrupt your sleep, affect your focus at work, and even bring down your mood. Early treatment means faster relief and fewer complications in the long run.
When to Seek Advanced Pain Management For a Pinched Nerve
If rest, gentle stretching, over-the-counter meds, or even physical therapy haven’t done the trick, pain management might be the next step. With options like nerve blocks, steroid injections, or other non-surgical treatments (such as radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation), you’ve got real choices for relief, without jumping straight to surgery.
Pain specialists are trained to pinpoint the actual cause of your discomfort and create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals. They may recommend image-guided injections, medications to calm irritated nerves, or advanced therapies tailored to your symptoms. Their mission? To help you move better, sleep better, and live with less pain.
Some pinched nerves improve with time, but if yours doesn’t, don’t wait it out and hope for the best. The sooner you get the proper care, the sooner you’ll feel like yourself again.
How Long Should You Wait Before Seeing a Doctor?
If your symptoms last more than a few days to a week, or if they start getting worse, don’t wait—get it checked out.
Pain that travels down your arm or leg, ongoing numbness, or muscle weakness are red flags. And if there’s no improvement within two weeks or the impingement returns repeatedly, it’s time to consult your doctor.[5]
Resources:
- Pinched Nerve. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves
- Dickerman R. How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Last? Spine-Health [Internet]. Updated February 15, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/blog/how-long-does-pinched-nerve-last
- Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve). OrthoInfo – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) [Internet]. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cervical-radiculopathy-pinched-nerve/
- Mayo Clinic. Pinched nerve – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published December 21, 2023. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746
- Cherney K. How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Last? Healthline [Internet]. Published November 06, 2020. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-pinched-nerve-last
- Muscle Strains – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Published October 11, 2022. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-strains/symptoms-causes/syc-20450507
- Haines C. What’s a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc…? Spine-Health [Internet]. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/whats-herniated-disc-pinched-nerve-bulging-disc
- Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/peripheral-neuropathy-fact-sheet
- Mork T. Is there something that mimics a pinched nerve? Dr. Tony Mork, MD – Endoscopic Spine Specialist [Internet]. Published June 29, 2017. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from:. https://drtonymork.com/back-pain/pinched-nerve/something-mimics-pinched-nerve/
- Stuart A. Pinched Nerve (Compressed Nerve): Symptoms and Treatment. WebMD [Internet]. Accessed April 19, 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/compressed-nerves
