“What happens if you let a pinched nerve in the back go untreated?”

Believe it or not, most disc herniations causing "pinched nerves" get better over time. However, this can sometimes take an extended period of time and if there is more severe structural damage, may need intervention.

It can lead to secondary issues such as chronic pain, weakness, and loss of function. Get it checked right away.

The diagnosis of a pinched nerve can cover many different issues occurring. You can be having symptoms from decreased mobility in the joints between the vertebra of spine (facet joints), you can have inflammation of nerve tissue, you can have increased tension through the ligament and muscle tissue along the spine. Leaving this untreated can result in symptoms
lingering for longer periods of time or getting worse. However, the symptoms may get better depending on your activity. I always suggest following up on these symptoms if they are getting worse or if they are unchanged over the course of 5-7 days.

Thank you,

Dr. Kristen Fogle, PT, DPT

Your pain may become chronic abd will be more difficult to treat. You may also develop worsening radicular symptoms such as weakness of the leg muscles, which in the worst case scenario can lead to a foot drop affecting your gait. There could be worsening numbness, tingling, and burning sensation. Cramping, swelling, and coldness of the leg may persist. Disability is impending with untreated pinched nerves.