Nerves carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When something presses or pinches one of these nerves, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. The most common place for a nerve to be pinched is in the neck. This is because there are so many nerves in this area. However, it can also be pinched in other areas of the body. If you have a pinched nerve at night, it could cause back pain, leg pain, or numbness in your arm.