A woman in a hijab holding her neck and shoulder while a female physiotherapist checks her arm strength in a clinic

Saraf Tersepit (Pinched Nerve): Tanda, Punca & Rawatan

Saraf tersepit (a pinched nerve) means a nerve is being pressed on or irritated, most often in the neck, the lower back or the wrist. A pinched nerve in the neck causes burning or sharp pain that spreads from the neck down the arm, with pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the hand. In the lower back it causes sciatica, with pain down the back of one leg, and at the wrist it causes carpal tunnel syndrome, with numb, tingling fingers that are worse at night. Most pinched nerves get better over weeks to months with staying active, painkillers and physiotherapy, and surgery is usually not needed. Get emergency help for numbness around your bottom or genitals, loss of bladder or bowel control, or weakness in both legs. This guide explains the signs in each area, causes, what helps at home, treatment, pregnancy, and the warning signs.

Apa itu saraf tersepit?

A pinched nerve in the neck, which doctors call cervical radiculopathy, happens when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm, as well as muscle weakness and numbness (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

Nerves can also be pinched lower down the spine or at the wrist. A slipped disc is one common cause: it is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine bulges outwards, and it is painful if it presses on nerves (NHS). A slipped disc is a cause of radiculopathy, a condition that affects one or more of the nerve roots coming off the spinal cord (MedlinePlus).

Di mana saraf boleh tersepit

Where the nerve is pinched decides where you feel it:

Where Medical name Typical symptoms
Leher (neck) Cervical radiculopathy Pain from the neck down the arm, pins and needles or numbness in the fingers or hand, weak arm, shoulder or hand muscles (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
Pinggang (lower back) Sciatica, often from a slipped disc Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the bottom and the back of one leg, often down to the foot and toes (NHS). See our sakit pinggang guide
Pergelangan tangan (wrist) Carpal tunnel syndrome Numb, tingling or painful hand and fingers, a weak thumb, usually worse at night (NHS). See our tangan kebas guide

The lower back is the most common place for a slipped disc, and the neck is the second most common (MedlinePlus).

Saraf tersepit di leher

A pinched nerve is one of the most common causes of neck pain, together with sleeping in an awkward position, bad posture and injuries such as whiplash (NHS). For other causes of neck and shoulder pain, see our guide to sakit bahu dan leher.

Tanda saraf tersepit di leher

In most cases, the pain starts at the neck and travels down the arm in the area served by the affected nerve. It is usually described as burning or sharp. Certain neck movements, such as extending or straining the neck or turning the head, may increase the pain (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Other symptoms include (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons):

  • tingling or pins and needles in the fingers or hand;
  • weakness in the muscles of the arm, shoulder or hand;
  • loss of feeling or numbness.

A slipped disc in the neck can also cause deep pain near or over the shoulder blade (MedlinePlus). Some people find the pain eases when they place their hand on top of their head, which may take pressure off the nerve for a while (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

Not every arm pain is a pinched nerve

Other conditions can cause similar neck or arm pain, including some shoulder problems, heart disease, and nerves pinched at the elbow or wrist (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Because heart disease can cause arm pain, see our guide to the warning signs of a heart attack. Call 999 if someone’s face droops on one side, they cannot lift both arms and keep them there, or they have difficulty speaking (NHS), as these can be signs of a stroke.

Saraf tersepit di pinggang (sciatica)

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed (NHS). A slipped disc is the most common cause (NHS). Symptoms usually affect your bottom and the back of one leg, often including your foot and toes, and may include (NHS):

  • a sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg;
  • tingling like pins and needles;
  • numbness;
  • weakness.

The pain may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. You may also have back pain, but it is not usually as bad as the leg pain, and you probably do not have sciatica if you only have back pain (NHS). For numb feet, see our guide to kebas kaki.

Saraf tersepit di pergelangan tangan (carpal tunnel)

Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on a nerve in your wrist (the median nerve). It causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand and fingers (NHS). Symptoms include an ache or pain in the fingers, hand or arm, numb hands, pins and needles, and a weak thumb or difficulty gripping. They often start slowly, come and go, and are usually worse at night (NHS).

It is more common in women than men, and occurs most often in people aged 30 to 60 (MedlinePlus). Thumb pain when lifting a baby is often a different problem; see our guide to De Quervain.

Punca saraf tersepit dan siapa berisiko

A pinched nerve in the neck most often comes from wear-and-tear changes in the spine that happen with age, or from a slipped (herniated) disc. In younger people, it is most often caused by a sudden injury that results in a herniated disc, although sometimes there is no injury at all (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). A herniated disc often happens with lifting, pulling, bending or twisting movements (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

A slipped disc can happen because of (NHS):

  • ageing;
  • exercising too hard;
  • lifting heavy objects the wrong way;
  • sitting down or driving for long periods of time;
  • being inactive or overweight.

Smoking also increases the risk (MedlinePlus); the NHS says nicotine weakens the disc tissue in the spine (NHS). Many people over 40 get wear and tear in the neck (cervical spondylosis) as part of getting older (NHS). You are more at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome if you are overweight, pregnant, often bend your wrist or grip hard, have arthritis or diabetes, have a parent, brother or sister with it, or have injured your wrist before (NHS).

Saraf tersepit semasa mengandung dan selepas bersalin

  • Carpal tunnel in pregnancy: pregnancy increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome (NHS). It sometimes gets better by itself in a few months, particularly if you have it because you are pregnant (NHS). A wrist splint worn at night keeps the wrist straight and relieves pressure on the nerve (NHS).
  • Back pain in pregnancy: it is very common, because the ligaments soften and stretch to prepare for labour, which can strain the joints of the lower back and pelvis (NHS). Bend your knees and keep your back straight when you lift something, avoid heavy lifting, and wear flat shoes (NHS).
  • Painkillers in pregnancy: paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to take if you are pregnant, and you should avoid ibuprofen unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it (NHS).
  • After childbirth: in a study of 281 working mothers at maternal and child health clinics in Kuching, Sarawak, back or neck pain was the second most common symptom in the first 6 weeks after giving birth (36.3%), after tiredness, and physical symptoms fell significantly by 12 weeks (Majorie Ensayan and others, 2023).

Contact your doctor or midwife urgently if you have back pain in the second or third trimester, as this could be a sign of early labour, or if you also have a fever, vaginal bleeding or pain when you pee. Call 999 if you lose feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or your genitals (NHS). Our guide to tanda bersalin explains the signs of labour.

Bagaimana doktor mengesahkan saraf tersepit

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your neck, shoulders, arms and hands, looking for muscle weakness, loss of feeling or changes in your reflexes (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). A slipped disc can usually be diagnosed from your symptoms (NHS). Tests are used when needed:

  • MRI scan: shows soft tissues and can show if a bulging or herniated disc is pressing on a nerve (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). It may be done if your symptoms do not get better (NHS).
  • X-ray or CT scan: shows the bones and bone spurs. A slipped disc cannot be diagnosed by an X-ray alone (MedlinePlus).
  • Nerve tests (EMG and nerve conduction studies): check how the nerves and muscles are working and help tell a pinched nerve in the neck apart from a nerve pinched at the elbow or wrist (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). A nerve conduction test may also be used for carpal tunnel syndrome (NHS).

Tell your doctor if you have susuk. Malaysian doctors reported a woman with lower back pain and nerve symptoms whose scans showed multiple susuk (charm needles of metal alloy) in her lower back, inserted by a traditional practitioner 10 years earlier. They warned that susuk may cause long-term inflammation, carries risks during imaging, and makes treating back problems more complicated (Rampal and others, 2020).

Cara legakan saraf tersepit di rumah

For a pinched nerve in the back or neck:

  • Keep moving. Carry on with your normal activities as much as possible, and do not sit or lie down for long periods; even if moving hurts, it is not harmful and can help you get better faster (NHS).
  • Gentle exercise: start gentle exercise as soon as you can, such as walking, swimming or yoga, as long as it does not make the pain worse (NHS).
  • Heat or cold: for the neck, try a cold pack wrapped in a tea towel for 5 minutes, 3 times a day, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day (NHS). For sciatica, heat packs on the painful areas can help (NHS).
  • Painkillers: paracetamol or ibuprofen, including ibuprofen gel on the neck, can help neck pain (NHS). For sciatica, paracetamol is unlikely to help, and it is not clear how much NSAIDs such as ibuprofen help, so ask a pharmacist (NHS). Anti-inflammatory painkillers are not suitable for everyone (NHS).
  • Sleep and posture: use a low, firm pillow, keep your head the same height as the rest of your body when sleeping, and do not keep your neck in the same position for a long time, such as when sitting at a desk (NHS).

For carpal tunnel syndrome, wear a wrist splint at night, which may take up to 6 weeks to help, and cut down on things that make you bend your wrist or grip hard (NHS).

Rawatan saraf tersepit

In most cases, a pinched nerve in the neck responds well to non-surgical treatment, including medicines and physiotherapy, and does not need surgery (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

Treatment What it involves
Physiotherapy Specific exercises can help relieve pain, strengthen neck muscles and improve movement (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Physical therapy is important for nearly everyone with disc disease (MedlinePlus)
Medicines NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may help if pain is caused by nerve irritation or inflammation, and a short course of steroid tablets may reduce swelling around the nerve (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). A doctor may also prescribe a stronger painkiller or a muscle relaxant for a short time (NHS). Opioid painkillers are kept for severe pain, for a limited time, because they can be highly addictive (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
Soft neck collar A doctor may advise one for a short period only, as long-term use can weaken the neck muscles (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). The NHS advises not wearing a collar for neck pain unless a doctor tells you to, as it is better to keep your neck moving (NHS)
Steroid injection Injected near the affected nerve to reduce inflammation. It does not remove the pressure on the nerve, but may relieve pain long enough for the nerve to recover (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). For a slipped disc, relief may last several months, but pain can return (MedlinePlus)
Surgery Considered if non-surgical treatment does not relieve symptoms (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), or if a slipped disc causes worsening weakness or numbness (NHS). For carpal tunnel syndrome, the operation takes around 20 minutes under local anaesthetic and usually cures it (NHS)

The majority of people with a pinched nerve in the neck get better over time. It is also common for it to come back at some point, and even then it usually gets better without specific treatment (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). It may take several months to a year or more to return to all your activities without pain after a slipped disc (MedlinePlus).

Preventing it from coming back

  • stay active and take regular exercise (NHS);
  • use a safe technique when lifting heavy objects (NHS);
  • keep a good posture when sitting and standing, and sit correctly when using a computer (NHS);
  • lose weight if you are overweight, and do not smoke (NHS).

Tanda bahaya: bila perlu ke hospital segera

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you have back pain or sciatica and (NHS):

  • numbness around or under your genitals, or around your bottom;
  • you cannot pee, find it hard to start peeing, or cannot control when you pee, and this is not normal for you;
  • you do not notice when you need to poo or cannot control when you poo;
  • sciatica on both sides, or weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse;
  • you lose feeling in one or both legs;
  • it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident.

These could be signs of a serious back problem that needs hospital treatment as soon as possible (NHS). With neck pain, call 999 for new problems walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden lack of coordination, such as trouble buttoning a shirt (NHS).

Ask for an urgent doctor’s appointment if you have severe neck pain that starts suddenly or is getting worse quickly, heaviness or weakness in your arms or legs, pins and needles in an arm as well as pain in your neck or arm, or pain between your shoulder blades (NHS).

Mitos tentang saraf tersepit

Belief What the evidence says
Rest in bed until the pain goes Do not sit or lie down for long periods; moving is not harmful and can help you get better faster (NHS)
Wear a neck collar all the time Do not wear a neck collar unless a doctor tells you to (NHS); long-term use may weaken the neck muscles (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
A pinched nerve always needs surgery Most cases respond well to medicine and physiotherapy and do not need surgery (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
Worn discs on a scan explain my pain Nearly half of middle-aged and older people have worn discs and pinched nerves that do not cause pain (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), so your doctor matches the scan with your symptoms and examination
An X-ray will show the slipped disc A slipped disc cannot be diagnosed by an X-ray alone; an MRI or CT scan shows where it is pressing (MedlinePlus)
Typing on a computer causes carpal tunnel Studies have not proved that typing, using a mouse or repeated movements at work cause it, although these may cause other problems that narrow the carpal tunnel (MedlinePlus)

Bila perlu jumpa doktor

See a doctor if:

  • neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks, or painkillers have not worked (NHS);
  • you have neck pain with other symptoms, such as pins and needles or a cold arm (NHS);
  • sciatica has not improved after a few weeks of home treatment, is getting worse, or is stopping you doing your normal activities (NHS);
  • back pain comes with a very high temperature, unexplained weight loss, a swelling in your back, or pain that is worse at night (NHS);
  • carpal tunnel symptoms are getting worse or not going away, or home treatment is not working (NHS).

If carpal tunnel syndrome is not treated properly, the nerve can be damaged, causing permanent weakness, numbness and tingling (MedlinePlus). If back pain is linked to a curved spine, see our guide to skoliosis.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Apa itu saraf tersepit (what is a pinched nerve)?

A pinched nerve happens when a nerve is pressed on or irritated. In the neck, this is called cervical radiculopathy: a nerve is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord, which can cause pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm, muscle weakness and numbness (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). In the lower back, pressure on the sciatic nerve causes sciatica (NHS), and pressure on a nerve in the wrist is called carpal tunnel syndrome (NHS).

Apa tanda saraf tersepit di leher (what are the signs of a pinched nerve in the neck)?

The pain usually starts at the neck and travels down the arm, and is often described as burning or sharp. Certain neck movements, such as turning the head, may make it worse. Other symptoms include tingling or pins and needles in the fingers or hand, weakness in the arm, shoulder or hand muscles, and numbness (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Some people find the pain eases when they rest their hand on top of their head (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

Berapa lama saraf tersepit sembuh (how long does a pinched nerve take to heal)?

Most people with a pinched nerve in the neck get better over time without needing treatment; for some the pain goes away in days or weeks, for others it takes longer (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months but can last longer (NHS). Carpal tunnel syndrome can take months to get better (NHS). A pinched nerve can come back later (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

Adakah saraf tersepit perlu pembedahan (does a pinched nerve need surgery)?

Usually not. In most cases, a pinched nerve in the neck responds well to medicine and physiotherapy and does not need surgery (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Surgery for a slipped disc is considered if symptoms have not improved with other treatments or include worsening muscle weakness or numbness (NHS). For carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is considered if it is getting worse and other treatments have not worked, and it usually cures it (NHS).

Saraf tersepit boleh sembuh sendiri ke (can a pinched nerve heal on its own)?

Often, yes. The majority of people with a pinched nerve in the neck get better over time and do not need treatment (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), and the pain, numbness or weakness from a slipped disc often goes away or improves a lot over weeks to months (MedlinePlus). Carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes gets better by itself in a few months, particularly if it is caused by pregnancy (NHS). See a doctor if it is not improving after a few weeks or is getting worse (NHS).

Bila saraf tersepit jadi kecemasan (when is a pinched nerve an emergency)?

Call 999 or go to the emergency department if you have back pain with numbness around your bottom or genitals, cannot pee, cannot control when you pee or poo, or lose feeling in one or both legs (NHS), or if you have sciatica on both sides or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs (NHS). With neck pain, new problems walking, loss of bladder or bowel control or sudden clumsiness, such as trouble buttoning a shirt, also need emergency help (NHS).

Boleh ambil ubat tahan sakit untuk saraf tersepit semasa mengandung (can I take painkillers for a pinched nerve while pregnant)?

Paracetamol is usually the best painkiller to take if you are pregnant, and you should avoid ibuprofen during pregnancy unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it (NHS). You can take paracetamol for back pain in pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife says not to (NHS). Talk to your doctor if the pain is severe; they may refer you to a physiotherapist (NHS).

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. See a doctor or physiotherapist about your own symptoms, and ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

References

Back to Health Note

You may also like

View all