A nerve that is encroached upon by any number of structures. The nerve may be "pinched" by a disc fragment, by bone spurs, by normal tissue or bones that are pushed together by gravity or other degenerative processes. Nerve irritation and radiculopathies follow typical patterns that can be studied with an anatomic understanding of the problem.In this diagram the nerve root on the right has plenty of room. The nerve root on the left, however, is pressed up against the canal wall (lamina) by the disc fragment (herniation). See also Nerve Compression.
