We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show A pinched nerve in the shoulder occurs when a nearby structure irritates or presses on a nerve coming from the neck. This can lead to shoulder pain and numbness of the arm and hand. Doctors may also refer to a pinched nerve in the shoulder arising from the neck as cervical radiculopathy. An acute injury or changes to the body over time can cause a pinched nerve in the shoulder. This article will identify common symptoms, causes, and treatments for the condition. Share on PinterestDisk degeneration or herniation can cause a pinched nerve in the shoulder. A pinched nerve in the shoulder will typically cause pain, numbness, or discomfort in the shoulder region. A person may also have other symptoms, which include:
A pinched nerve in the shoulder occurs when material, such as bone, disk protrusions, or swollen tissue, puts pressure on the nerves extending from the spinal column toward the neck and shoulder. The spinal column consists of 24 bones called vertebrae that sit atop each other with protective, cushion-like disks between each one. Doctors divide the spinal column into three regions based on the area of the body and the appearance of the spinal bones. These include:
A pinched nerve in the shoulder affects the cervical spine specifically. Extending from the cervical spine are nerves that transmit signals to and from the brain to other areas of the body. Some common causes of a pinched nerve in the shoulder include:
A doctor can usually identify the cause of a pinched nerve in the shoulder by taking a medical history, doing a physical exam, and requesting imaging studies. Share on PinterestA doctor can use an X-ray to diagnose a pinched nerve.Doctors will start to diagnose a person’s shoulder pain by taking a history and doing a physical examination. They will ask a person about the symptoms they are experiencing, such as when they first noticed these, and what makes them worse or better. A doctor will also examine the shoulder, neck, and surrounding areas to try to identify any noticeable problems. A doctor will often order further tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other causes. Examples of these tests include:
These tests can help a doctor identify a pinched nerve in the shoulder or another condition that may also cause shoulder pain. Examples of other conditions include:
Most people with a pinched nerve in the shoulder will get better over time and do not require any treatment. When necessary to make treatment recommendations, a doctor will consider:
A doctor will usually recommend nonsurgical treatments first. If a person’s pain does not respond to these treatments or gets worse, the doctor may then recommend surgery. Nonsurgical treatments for a pinched nerve include:
Sometimes pain due to a pinched nerve in the shoulder will come and go. But if a person’s pain is the result of degenerative changes, their pain may worsen with time. If the above treatments no longer relieve pain, a doctor may recommend surgery. Types of surgery can include:
The surgical approach will depend on a person’s symptoms and what area of the spine or tissue is pressing on the nerves. The pain from a pinched nerve in the shoulder often comes and goes. When a person is experiencing intense symptoms, they may wish to try the following:
When a person’s symptoms start to get better, they may want to try doing the following to help prevent further episodes of pain:
A physical or occupational therapist can be helpful in recommending exercises and giving advice on how to improve posture at home and at work. A pinched nerve in the shoulder can be a painful problem that can lead to weakness, tingling, and numbness in the hand and arm. Over-the-counter measures can usually help to reduce symptoms. If these methods do not work, surgical options are available. People should always talk to their doctor when they have shoulder pain that lasts beyond a few days. How do you treat a pinched nerve in the neck and shoulder?Other pinched nerve treatments. soft cervical collar.. hot or cold compress.. practicing good posture.. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). acupuncture.. massage.. How do you release a pinched nerve in your shoulder and arm?Here are the 15 best ways to relieve pain from a pinched nerve in your shoulder without the need for invasive surgeries:. Apply ice and heat packs. ... . Elevate your arms. ... . Rest the area. ... . Get a gentle massage. ... . Stretch for increased flexibility. ... . Be aware of your posture. ... . Improve your workstation. ... . Use a splint.. How do you get rid of nerve pain in your neck and arm?Try these 10 home remedies:. REST AND SLEEP. Getting extra sleep and rest is effective in relieving many mild body pains, including nerve pinches. ... . ADJUSTMENT OF POSTURE. ... . SWITCH TO AN ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION. ... . ICE AND HEAT COMPRESS. ... . OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVERS. ... . SPLINT. ... . PHYSICAL THERAPY. ... . STRETCHING AND YOGA.. |