Pinched Nerve vs Herniated Disc

Principal Orthopedic Spine surgeon at Montesano Spine & Sport.

Term	What It Means
Pinched Nerve	A nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding structures—can be due to a herniated disc, bone spur, tight muscles, or inflammation.
Herniated Disc	A disc has torn, and its inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) pushes out, possibly pressing on a nearby nerve.
Term	What It Means
Pinched Nerve	A nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding structures—can be due to a herniated disc, bone spur, tight muscles, or inflammation.
Herniated Disc	A disc has torn, and its inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) pushes out, possibly pressing on a nearby nerve.

Feature	Pinched Nerve	Herniated Disc
Pain	Sharp, shooting pain along nerve (e.g., sciatica)	Local + radiating pain (if pressing on nerve)
Numbness/tingling	Yes – in nerve distribution (leg or arm)	Yes – common if nerve is affected
Weakness	Possible	Yes, if motor nerve roots involved
Location	Anywhere nerve gets compressed	Most common at L4-L5, L5-S1, C5-C6, C6-C7

Pinched Nerve			Herniated Disc
Rest, NSAIDs, stretching			Conservative care first (PT, meds)
Nerve glides, decompression therapy			Epidural injections if nerve irritation persists
Surgery if severe or not improving			Microdiscectomy, disc replacement, or laminectomy possible