While a pinched nerve can occur throughout your body, having a herniated disc is one of the most common causes of a pinched nerve. For instance, if you have a herniated disc in your lower spine, it may place pressure on the nerve root, which causes radiating pain shooting down the back of your leg.

Symptoms of a pinched nerve include:

• Feeling as though affected limbs — legs, feet or hands — have fallen asleep
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness in areas affected by the nerve
• Pins and needles sensations in affected areas
• Sharp, aching or burning pain radiating outward

Pinched nerves occur when excessive pressure is placed on your nerves by surrounding tissues. This can be caused by a variety of things, including:

• Bone spurs
• Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis
• Herniated disc problem
• Hobbies
• Injuries
• Obesity
• Repetitive motion from work