Definition of Nerve compression

Nerve compression: Pinching' of a nerve that is due to too much pressure on it. For example, a woman's sciatic nerve may be painfully compressed by the weight and position of the fetus during the latter part of pregnancy.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11745
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012