What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Are the Treatments for a Pinched Nerve in Shoulder?
A pinched nerve in the shoulder causes extreme pain and discomfort 3. The muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons and tissues surrounding the nerve are pressing on the nerve creating pressure and the "pinched" feeling 3. It is important to seek appropriate medical attention to prevent or lessen permanent damage to the nerve.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
What Is a Pinched Shoulder Nerve?
Typically, the condition arises when too much pressure is applied to the shoulder nerve by the surrounding tissue, such as:
- cartilage
- tendons
- bones
- muscles
Symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness, pain and a tingling sensation that radiates along the shoulders and into the neck or spine. While pinched nerves may occur anywhere in the body, they most commonly affect the neck, shoulder and lower back.
Causes
Symptoms of a Pinched Tendon in the Rotator Cuff
Learn More
Nerves may become "pinched" during strenuous physical activity, including running, jogging or weight-lifting. The problem may also stem from poor posture that causes tissue surrounding the nerve to "push" into the nerve. In obese people, the sheer mass of excessive tissue surrounding a nerve can be the cause. The trouble could be rooted in another medical problem, such as a herniated spinal disc.
- Nerves may become "pinched" during strenuous physical activity, including running, jogging or weight-lifting.
- The problem may also stem from poor posture that causes tissue surrounding the nerve to "push" into the nerve.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Sufferers often report decreased sensation in the shoulder muscles surrounding the nerve or nerves affected. As the nerves control a variety of muscles, the pinching could cause tingling of the arm, elbow and hands. Patients may also experience numbness or tingling in the shoulder, muscle twitching or a "pins and needles" sensation that radiates along the shoulders. Swelling occurs in rare instances.
Physicians can generally diagnose pinched shoulder nerves in one appointment. They will review the patient's medical history and recent physical activity; ask about the specific location and sensation of the pain; and put the patient through various arm and leg motions. In more severe cases, the patient may undergo an MRI or blood tests to check for possible underlying conditions.
- Sufferers often report decreased sensation in the shoulder muscles surrounding the nerve or nerves affected.
- Patients may also experience numbness or tingling in the shoulder, muscle twitching or a "pins and needles" sensation that radiates along the shoulders.
Treatment
Shoulder Subluxation Symptoms
Learn More
Generally, a pinched nerve will recover within a week if the patient rests and follows simple precautions, such as refraining from exercise and any strenuous activity that may stress the surrounding shoulder muscles 3. Patients should sleep on their back. If they can't, they should place a pillow under their stomach to help keep their back straight. Your health care provider may suggest you take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, or if the pain is significant she may prescribe a stronger, prescription pain reliever.
- Generally, a pinched nerve will recover within a week if the patient rests and follows simple precautions, such as refraining from exercise and any strenuous activity that may stress the surrounding shoulder muscles 3.
- If they can't, they should place a pillow under their stomach to help keep their back straight.
Treatment for Severe Cases
In severe cases of pinched shoulder nerves, the pain may be unbearable and even debilitating. If pain symptoms do not subside within a few days, patients should contact a physician. The doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications and perhaps suggest physical therapy or massage to strengthen and lengthen the shoulder muscles. Surgery is a last resort.
- In severe cases of pinched shoulder nerves, the pain may be unbearable and even debilitating.
- If pain symptoms do not subside within a few days, patients should contact a physician.
Related Articles
References
- NervePinched: The Spinal Columns
- Alternative Medicine Digest: Pinched Nerve Treatment
- Mayo Clinic: Pinched Nerve
- Hochman MG, Zilberfarb JL. Nerves in a pinch: imaging of nerve compression syndromes. Radiol Clin North Am. 2004;42(1):221-45. doi:10.1016/S0033-8389(03)00162-3
- NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Pinched nerve information page. Updated March 27, 2019.
- AdventHealth Medical Group. Cauda equina syndrome.
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve). Updated June 2015.
- Dimitrova A, Murchison C, Oken B. Acupuncture for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(3):164-179. doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0155
- Conger A, Cushman DM, Speckman RA, Burnham T, Teramoto M, McCormick ZL. The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopically Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for the Treatment of Radicular Pain; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pain Med. 2019 Jun 10. pii: pnz127. doi:10.1093/pm/pnz127 [Epub ahead of print]
- Keating L, Treanor C, Sugrue J, Meldrum D, Bolger C, Doody C. A randomised controlled trial of multimodal physiotherapy versus advice for recent onset, painful cervical radiculopathy - the PACeR trial protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019 Jun 1;20(1):265. doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2639-4
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Baker holds a Masters of Fine Arts in nonfiction writing and has been working with Demand Media Studios since 2002, specializing in health, education, food and travel topics.