Shoulder Pinched Nerves
Many factors can cause a pinched shoulder nerve. Overuse of the shoulder and arm puts pressure on nerves. A nerve injury can also be the cause. A tumor or cyst can press on nerves in some cases.
Symptoms
A pinched shoulder nerve can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the area. The pain can be dull or sharp and radiate down from the shoulder to the hand. Numbness and tingling can be more severe at night, making it hard to sleep. It may be difficult to lift heavy objects or carry out everyday tasks due to the weakness. The severity of the pinched nerve can affect the symptoms.
Causes
Pinched nerves can be caused by many things. Poor posture is the most common cause. Other causes include carrying heavy objects and sleeping on the stomach.
Your shoulders can round forward if you have a poor posture. Your head may also jut out forward. This can cause shoulder pain by putting pressure on your nerves.
Pinched nerves can be caused by repetitive motions. Repeating the same motion can cause nerve irritation and inflammation. The nerves of your shoulders can be irritated by carrying heavy objects.
Pinched nerves can be caused by sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach means that your head will be turned to the side for a long time. This can cause pain in the shoulder due to pressure on nerves.
Treatment
You know just how painful a pinched shoulder nerve can be if you’ve ever experienced it. There are many treatments that can relieve pain and allow you to resume your normal activities.
Home remedies
A pinched shoulder nerve can be very painful. Pinched nerves can be relieved by a number of home remedies.
Applying ice for 15 minutes is a home remedy. This can reduce pain and inflammation. Take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter pain medications.
A doctor may be needed if the pain is severe. The doctor may prescribe stronger medications or other treatments, such as injections or physical therapy.
Medications
There are several medications available to help relieve shoulder pain caused by a pinched or irritated nerve. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation. To reduce inflammation, steroids can be injected around the nerve. If none of these treatments work, your doctor might recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve.
Surgery
Pinched nerves are common, but the pain can be unbearable for some people. Here’s everything you need to consider before you have shoulder surgery to relieve pinched nerve pain.
Open and endoscopic surgery can be used for shoulder pinched nerves. In order to reach the nerve, open surgery requires a large skin incision. Endoscopic surgery uses a camera to look inside the shoulder. It is a less invasive procedure.
It’s important to discuss with your doctor which type of surgery is right for you. Surgery is only recommended when other treatments have failed, like physical therapy or injections of steroid.
Exercises
There are exercises that can help reduce the pain associated with pinched shoulders nerves.
- You can also try “shoulder shrugs.” This exercise is performed by standing with your feet at shoulder width apart, and raising your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for three counts, then release. Repeat 10 times.
- The “arm circle” is another exercise. Start by standing shoulder-width apart with your arms at your side. Slowly raise your arms to the side, making small circles.
Physical Therapy
A pinched shoulder nerve can be treated with physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you identify the source of your pain, and create a plan of treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Exercises, stretches and manual therapy may be used in the treatment.
Do not wait to get treatment if you have a pinched shoulder nerve. Physical therapy can relieve pain and improve quality of life.
