Pinched nerves can occur throughout the body, most commonly in areas of repetitive motion like the wrists, spine, and shoulders. A pinched nerve in the wrist leads to carpal tunnel syndrome, and wherever the compression occurs, pain, numbness, and disruption to your life soon follows.
The good news? Many cases of nerve pinching, compression, and pressure, including in the shoulder, can be effectively managed and resolved with the right care and treatment.
How to know if shoulder pain is caused by a pinched nerve
Wondering if your shoulder pain might be due to a pinched nerve? Look out for these common symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck and shoulder:
- Radiating pain: A sharp, shooting pain that travels from the shoulder and sometimes into the neck or down the arm.
- Tingling or numbness: A “pins and needles” sensation in your shoulder, arm, or fingers that comes and goes.
- Muscle weakness: Difficulty lifting or gripping objects because of weakened muscles associated with the compressed nerve.
- Burning sensation: A persistent, uncomfortable burning feeling in the shoulder or surrounding areas.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s possible you’re dealing with a pinched nerve rather than a muscle tear or other injury. However, the best way to diagnose this or any other kind of pain isn’t by reading about it online. We strongly recommend seeing a healthcare provider or physical therapist for an accurate diagnosis based on your specific symptoms.
Risk factors for pinched nerve in shoulder
Even though you can’t get a diagnosis online, a few risk factors may make it more likely that your shoulder pain is being caused by a pinched nerve:
- Bone spurs: Over time, bone spurs (small growths of excess bone tissue) can develop in certain areas, potentially compressing surrounding nerves.
- Repetitive shoulder use: Activities requiring repeated overhead movements, such as swimming, painting, or weightlifting, increase the likelihood of developing a pinched nerve in your shoulder.
- Poor posture: Hunching over your desk or neglecting ergonomics during your workday can strain the muscles and nerves in your shoulders and neck.
- Obesity: Extra weight can contribute to increased pressure on nerves throughout the body.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disease are correlated with an increased risk of nerve compression.
These risk factors don’t always result in a pinched nerve, but they can serve as a reminder to prioritize your shoulder health through movement, ergonomics, and preventive care so you decrease the likelihood that it happens.
How to release a pinched nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, like bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons, apply too much pressure on a nerve. This pressure can disrupt the nerve’s normal function, resulting in the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Treating a pinched nerve effectively means getting rid of the source of the compression, which can have many causes and different treatments for each.
Inflammation, swelling, and bruising
Most people know if they’ve done something to hurt their shoulder recently, but sometimes nerve pain can come out of nowhere. If you see redness, swelling, or bruising around your shoulder, ice the area for 15-20 minutes at a time and avoid using your shoulder as much as possible. Some people go even further and put their arm in a sling to remind them to reduce movement until the area heals.
Infection or underlying conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis and other underlying conditions can worsen nerve pain in joints like the shoulders. Although ice or rest may help in the short-term, the best solution for this cause of shoulder nerve pain should be treating the underlying condition, whether you’ve gotten a diagnosis or not, by talking to a doctor and/or physical therapist.
Muscle tension
Active individuals may feel nerve compression in the shoulder when their muscle tissue is too tense. This can also happen as a result of stress; many people carry tension in their shoulders when they’re under stress. Sometimes, gentle, intentional movement can help relieve nerve pain caused by tension as it promotes blood flow, relaxes muscles, and improves flexibility. In addition, using heat packs or even taking a long hot shower can help relax tight shoulder and neck muscles that could be contributing to your pain.
No matter what the cause, most people benefit greatly from seeing a physical therapist who can give you clarity and a straightforward path to treatment for a pinched nerve in the shoulder.
How to relieve pinched nerve in shoulder with physical therapy
Physical therapy offers a natural, non-invasive pathway to pain relief. Here’s how our team often helps with a pinched nerve in your shoulder:
- Safe and effective stretching options: We design and teach tailored exercises and stretching routines based on your specific presentation.
- Pain management techniques: Modalities like manual therapy and therapeutic taping can alleviate discomfort and ensure proper healing.
- Education on preventive care: Learn ergonomic practices, posture correction, and self-care routines to keep nerve pain at bay.
Find answers and options at Advent Physical Therapy
Don’t let a pinched nerve keep you pinned down and in pain. Our physical therapists are often available for same-day and next-day appointments when you call a clinic near you. Start finding the relief you’re looking for by requesting your appointment today.
