How can you tell if you have a pinched nerve?

Sciatica: True sciatica is leg pain that shoots from back, down the leg past the knee. This mimics the path of the sciatic nerve, thus it's name. It may be associated with numbness, burning pain, or weakness in the leg. Radiculopathy (pinched nerve in neck) has similar symptoms but into the arm and/or hand. See a doc if symptoms progress or bowel/bladder problems. Mri is best for confirming diagnosis.

Nerve symptoms: Patterned numbness, tingling, potentially weakness, pain along a specific territory is suggestive but a thorough evaluation is necessary to clarify.