A pinched nerve can be a very annoying and painful condition. Pinched nerves occur when a nerve becomes compressed. Symptoms may include pain that affects the area around the nerve, weakness, numbness and a tingling sensation. Areas of the body that are commonly affected by pinched nerves include the wrist, elbow and back. A pinched nerve often needs no additional treatment other than rest. That’s because simply not using the area of the body affected by the pinched nerve can help promote healing. When the nerve is not given a chance to recover the troubling symptoms may persist or possibly worsen. Medication may be effective in some cases of pinched nerves, including easing the pain or irritation. In severe cases surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve.

As the spine ages and begins to wear out, the disks may thin.  This moves the vertebrae closer to each other.  Also, bone growths (spurs) can form on the vertebrae near the facets.  This may cause narrowing (stenosis) of the foramen or the spinal canal.  Bone spurs can then press against a nerve.  Also, ligaments may thicken as they age and press against a nerve.