Have you ever felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your shoulder that seems to spread down your arm? Or maybe you’ve noticed a pins and needles sensation in your hand that just won’t go away? These symptoms could be the result of a pinched nerve in your shoulder. A pinched nerve can happen when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues like muscles, tendons, or bones. This condition can be incredibly painful and disruptive to your daily life. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help alleviate the discomfort and restore your mobility. Let’s explore more about dealing with a pinched nerve and when it’s time to seek professional help.
What is a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder?
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues put pressure on a nerve. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves located near the neck and upper back and communicates through the shoulder joint. If this area becomes compressed, the pressure can lead to inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. The shoulder is a complex joint with many moving parts that allow for a wide range of motion, which means it is also prone to injuries.
There are a variety of causes for a pinched nerve in the shoulder area, including:
- Herniated Discs: When a disc in the spine pushes out of place, it can compress the nerves of the brachial plexus.
- Poor Posture: Slouching or rounding your shoulders for extended periods can stress the nerves in the neck and upper back.
- Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve lifting, overhead motions, or repetitive motions (including sports or manual labor) can lead to nerve compression.
- Arthritis: Inflammation from conditions like osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs that press on the nerves in the neck and shoulder area.
- Trauma or Injury: Accidents or falls that cause direct trauma to the shoulder or neck area can result in nerve compression.
A pinched nerve in the shoulder can lead to several symptoms, including:
- Pain in the shoulder, neck, or upper back
- Tingling or numbness in the shoulder or arm
- Weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Limited range of motion in the shoulder
- Pain that worsens with certain movements
How to Release a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder
If you are dealing with a pinched nerve in the shoulder, it’s important to know how to release the tension and manage your pain. Here are several strategies for relieving pressure on the affected nerve:
1. Rest and Modify Activities
The first step in treating a pinched nerve is to give your shoulder a break. Avoid activities that make the pain worse, like lifting heavy objects, performing overhead movements, or engaging in strenuous physical activity. Resting the shoulder helps reduce inflammation and prevents further irritation of the nerve.
2. Apply Heat or Cold Therapy
Applying a heating pad or cold pack can be useful for managing the pain and inflammation associated with a pinched nerve. Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 15–20 minutes can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Alternatively, applying a heating pad or warm compress can help relax tight muscles and promote blood flow to the area.
3. Physical Therapy Exercises
Specific exercises and stretches can help alleviate nerve compression and can help improve flexibility to relieve pressure on the nerves. Physical therapy can be an essential part of the recovery process. Some examples of PT exercises for a pinched nerve in the shoulder include:
- Neck and Shoulder Stretches: Stretching the muscles in your neck, upper back, and shoulders can help relieve pressure on the nerves. Gentle movements like tilting your head to each side and rolling your shoulders can help reduce stiffness.
- Chin Tucks: This exercise involves tucking your chin toward your chest while keeping your back straight. It helps improve posture and relieve tension in the neck.
- Scapular Retraction: Pulling your shoulder blades together gently helps strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and neck area, supporting healthy posture and relieving stress on the nerves.
4. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves. A chiropractor can perform spine and joint adjustments that help reduce the pinched nerve and promote healing. They may also offer advice on posture, movement techniques, and other lifestyle changes to prevent future pinched nerves.
5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with a pinched nerve. Topical creams or gels may also be used for localized pain relief.
6. Steroid Injections (for Severe Cases)
In cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, your doctor may recommend steroid injections. These injections help reduce inflammation and relieve pain around the affected nerve. While these injections can offer temporary relief, they are not a long-term solution and are only used in conjunction with other treatments.
7. Surgical Intervention (When Necessary)
Surgery is rarely necessary for a pinched nerve in the shoulder, but it may be considered if other treatments fail and the pain persists. A surgeon may perform a procedure to remove the source of the nerve compression, such as a herniated disc or bone spur.
How to Sleep with a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder Blade
Sleeping with a pinched nerve in the shoulder can be a challenge, especially when lying in certain positions can make your pain worse. However, with the right strategies and techniques, you can improve your sleep quality and avoid aggravating the area.
1. Choose the Right Sleeping Position
- Sleep on Your Back: Lying on your back with a pillow under your knees can help relieve pressure on the shoulder and neck. This position helps make sure that your spine stays neutral and reduces strain on the affected nerve.
- Side Sleeping: If you prefer to sleep on your side, make sure to lie on the opposite side of the pinched nerve. You should also place a pillow between your arms to keep your shoulder in a neutral position, which can help reduce pressure while you sleep.
- Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach: This position can strain your neck and shoulders and end up making the symptoms of a pinched nerve worse.
2. Use Proper Pillows and Supports
The right pillow can make a big difference when trying to sleep with a pinched nerve. Choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck. A memory foam pillow or a cervical pillow designed to relieve neck pain can also help align your spine while you sleep. You may also want to try using a body pillow to better support your arm and shoulder.
3. Apply Heat Before Bed
Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area before bed can help relax tight muscles and alleviate your pain. This can also make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder
While many cases of a pinched nerve in the shoulder can be managed with conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or over-the-counter medications, there are situations where additional medical intervention is necessary. If you’re experiencing a pinched nerve in your shoulder, it’s important to listen to your body and know when to seek help. Here are key signs that indicate you should reach out to a healthcare professional:
Persistent or Worsening Pain
If you’ve been dealing with shoulder pain for several days and it’s not improving, or if it’s getting worse despite following rest and treatment guidelines, it’s time to see a doctor. Continuous or increasing pain could suggest that the nerve is being compressed more severely or that there is another underlying condition, like a herniated disc or bone spur, causing the symptoms. Ignoring worsening pain could lead to further nerve damage, so it’s important to seek medical evaluation sooner rather than later.
Loss of Coordination or Weakness in the Arm or Hand
One of the more concerning symptoms of a pinched nerve is a noticeable weakness in the arm or hand. If you’re having difficulty gripping objects, lifting things, or controlling movements with the affected arm, this could indicate that the nerve compression is affecting motor function. Loss of strength and dexterity may interfere with your daily tasks and could get worse if not properly addressed. If you find that you’re dropping things or struggling with fine motor skills like typing or buttoning a shirt, seek medical attention immediately.
Inability to Move or Lift the Shoulder
You don’t always realize just how important your joints are until one of them is hurt. If you find it difficult or impossible to move your shoulder or lift your arm due to pain or weakness, it’s important to seek medical attention. This could be a sign that the nerve compression is severe enough to limit movement and may even suggest other musculoskeletal issues like a rotator cuff injury, in addition to the pinched nerve. In severe cases, long-term immobility can result in muscle atrophy or joint stiffness, which complicates your healing process.
Get Help from AICA Orthopedics in Conyers
If you are dealing with a pinched nerve in your shoulder, don’t wait for the pain to interfere with your quality of life. At AICA Orthopedics in Conyers, we offer comprehensive care to help diagnose, treat, and manage shoulder and neck pain. Our team of experts can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other therapies to help you feel better and regain your mobility. Contact AICA Orthopedics in Conyers today for a consultation!