Quick Summary

Are you having shoulder pain, numbness, or weakness? You may have developed these issues due to a pinched nerve, though other reasons, such as tendinitis, arthritis, posture imbalance, and other matters, can’t be ruled out for the shoulder pain. So, if you are wondering what a pinched nerve in the shoulder is and its symptoms, causes, and treatments, this article explains all your answers in detail. 

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The human shoulders have a very complex joint structure. Many tendons, muscles, and ligaments support the shoulder’s ball and socket joint structure. Tendonitis, bursitis, dislocation, fracture, sprains, and avascular necrosis are some shoulder issues.

6% of the general population experiences shoulder pain, peaking as high as 21% in people above 70 years of age. On average, 16% of people worldwide experienced shoulder pain (range 0.67 to 55.2%). Incidence of shoulder pain ranged from 7.7 to 62 per 1000 people each year (median 37.8 for every 1000 persons yearly).

Some of the most common causes of shoulder pain include a pinched nerve shoulder. Medical professionals refer to this condition as cervical radiculopathy. The incidence rate is approximately 85 people per 100,000. Why does it occur? What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment? This blog will touch on these aspects and more. Let’s get started.

What Is a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder?

As stated above, the shoulder has numerous nerves, ligaments, bones, and muscles. When these bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons apply excessive pressure on the nerve, it can cause sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.

Pinched nerve pain in the neck and shoulders radiating down can spread to the chest, arms, and upper back. Most mild cases of cervical radiculopathy get better over time, but if severe cases don’t get timely treatment, it can hamper the quality of life and daily function.

6 Main Causes of Pinched Shoulder Nerve

Inflamed muscles, tissue, bone, and disk protrusions are the leading causes of pinched shoulder nerves. Below are the primary causes of pinched shoulder nerves. Let’s discuss them in detail.

• Cervical Disk Degeneration – The intervertebral disks in the cervical spine lose their elasticity, hydration, and structural integrity, resulting in bone spurs and disk height reduction (discs rubbing against each other).
• Cervical Disk Herniation – The soft, inner part of the intervertebral disc juts out of the outer layer, exerting immense pressure on the surrounding nerves. Eventually, this results in disc displacement, sharp pain, and trauma.
• Severe Injuries – Car accidents, falls, and impacts from sports activities and accidents affecting the neck can result in sprains, fractures, and strains.
• Contact Sports – Sports like football, rugby, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and others can lead to repetitive impacts, hyperextension, fractures, and ligament sprains.
• Muscle Overuse – Muscle overuse from repetitive movements, lifting weights with bad form, and stress-related tension can result in muscular imbalances, tightness, and adhesions.
• Overlapping Causes – Pinched nerve shoulder can also occur due to existing conditions like arthritis, shoulder instability, cervical myelopathy, fibromyalgia, and thoracic outlet syndrome.

9 Primary Signs of Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder

The main signs of a pinched nerve in the shoulder are as follows –

• Sharp and throbbing pain
• Dull, radiating pain along the arm
• Neck ache and tension
• Stiffness or numbness while performing shoulder/arm movements
• Tingling/numbness felt in the hands or fingers
• Reduced range of movement
• Recurring Headaches (especially in the back of the head)
• Uneasiness during sleep and fatigue
• Imbalanced shoulders

Diagnosis and Treatment for a Pinched Shoulder Nerve

85% of mild cervical radiculopathy subsides in 8 to 12 weeks. However, treatment becomes necessary if the patient’s condition does not improve. First, doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and perform tests like an X-ray, a CT scan, MRI, or electrodiagnostic studies.

After the tests, the doctor can determine whether the individual suffers from a pinched shoulder nerve, regular shoulder pain, or something else. Treatment for a pinched shoulder nerve includes the following –

• Sufficient rest
• Stop activities that aggravate the condition.
• Splint, collar, or brace to immobilize the affected body part
• Opt for physical therapy that includes stretching and conditioning, soft tissue mobilization, postural improvement, and exercises to restore range of motion.
• Shockwave therapy
• Dry needling
• Taping
• Cervical Collar 

Medication for Pinched Shoulder Nerve

Medication for pinched shoulder nerve includes the following –

• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium for pain relief.
• Tricyclic medications like nortriptyline and amitriptyline can reduce nerve demyelination and pain.
• Corticosteroids administered orally or intravenous injections may reduce pain and inflammation.

When is Surgery Necessary?

Even after months of physical therapy, medication, and rest, if the condition of the individual does not improve, surgery is the only option. The type of surgery depends on the severity of the cervical radiculopathy. Some of the surgeries for pinched nerve shoulder include the following –

• Discectomy – This surgical procedure removes a herniated or damaged disc, compressing a nerve root in the cervical spine.
• Laminoforaminotomy – A minimally invasive surgery that removes a part of the lamina and widens the foramen to relieve nerve root compression.
• Arthroplasty – This procedure replaces a damaged cervical disc with an artificial disc to preserve motion and relieve nerve pressure.
• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) – A surgery that removes a problematic disc through the front of the neck and fuses the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine.

Summary

Pinched nerve shoulder may be cured with proper rest and recuperative exercises. However, severe cases may require surgery. It is best to observe the situation and consult a medical professional before things get worse. Most importantly, prevention is better than cure.

Stay healthy, maintain a healthy weight, and get ample rest after heavy physical exercise or a sports session. Practice good posture and perform exercises to improve flexibility and mobility. If you feel prolonged pain, distress, or discomfort, consider googling physical therapy services near me and book an appointment immediately