what does impinged nerve pain feel like? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

gata3457 · 02-01-2008, 03:38 PM

what does impinged nerve pain feel like?

deadlifter · 02-01-2008, 06:05 PM

I have an impinged median nerve on my right side from foraminal stenosis caused by a failed disc between my C5 and C6 vertebrae. It feels like I've been drilled by a 95 MPH fastball at the back of my neck, and then like somebody hit me in the right shoulder with a sledge hammer. It literally feels like I have a broken shoulder. All that is from the nerve impingement caused by the osteophyte formation as a response to the failed disc. Not fun!

SpineAZ · 02-01-2008, 09:57 PM

It can vary. I experienced everything from a sharp searing pain to a low level but very constant pain with a sharpness to it (not easy to ignore like a sore ankle might be after a sprain or twist). I never realized what nerve pain is but when it started it was relentless.

I've also compared it to a "pinched nerve" if you've ever had that (I had experienced that before but it was brief - going away after a day or two).

PNo · 02-01-2008, 10:36 PM

My experience was burning, I had to ice it constantly it was like I was on fire with severe stabbing sharp pain and electrical shock. It was nothing like a muscle ache, sprain, soreness - there was a definite difference.