Pinched Nerve in Shoulder: Signs and Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Pinched nerve in shoulder blade is often due to irritation of a nerve in the neck, presenting pain, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
• Resolution and At-Home Treatment: Most cases resolve over time with gentle exercises and at-home care to minimize pain and aid recovery.
• Exercises: Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises improve mobility and reduce pain.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

• Common Causes: Repetitive use, injury, arthritis, and cervical radiculopathy.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in the upper spine affecting the shoulder.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

• Pain Characteristics: Often sharp or burning, worsens with neck movement, and can decrease when pressure is relieved by certain neck positions.
• Additional Symptoms:
  • Numbness in upper back, shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation
  • Muscle weakness

Causes of Trapped Nerve

• Disc Degeneration: Aging changes in intervertebral discs causing vertebrae to compress nerves.
• Herniated Discs: Jelly-like center of a disc pushes out, putting pressure on nerves.
• Injuries: Acute injuries like falls or impacts can lead to pinched nerves.

When to See a Doctor

• Symptoms persisting longer than a week.
• Muscle weakness, abnormal reflexes, gait or balance changes, loss of dexterity, or worsening pain at night.

Treatment Options

• Non-surgical Treatments:
  • Ice and heat applications
  • Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen)
  • Oral corticosteroids for short-term inflammation relief
  • Steroid injections for severe pain
  • Cervical collars for temporary neck support

Physical Therapy Exercises

• Benefits: Helps build strength, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
• Hinge Health Exercises: Chin tuck, cervical rotation, median nerve glide, scapular squeezes.
• PT Tips: Change positions frequently during work and at night to relieve stress on neck and shoulder.

How Hinge Health Assists

• Offers digital, personalized exercise therapy programs accessible from home.
• Provides therapeutic exercises and personal care team support.
• Aids in significant pain reduction and improved physical function.