How to Relieve a Pinched Nerve in Your Shoulder

An aching, sharp pain in the shoulder and neck, with tingling and numbness traveling into the hand, can disrupt daily life and lead to frustration. 

For many patients, this is caused by a pinched nerve in the shoulder or neck, a fairly common complaint, especially in those over 50.

However, various treatment options may help manage discomfort and pain. Many cases of pinched nerves, caused when tissue, bone, or cartilage compresses a nerve, can be managed effectively with non-surgical interventions.

This article gives patients and practitioners an overview of a pinched shoulder nerve, its causes, and the treatment options available. It also covers self-care strategies and preventative care.

[signup]

What Is a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder?

Understanding pinched nerves can help patients recognize symptoms and seek appropriate care. 

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue, bone, or cartilage compresses a nerve, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling. When this compression occurs at the nerve root in the cervical spine, it is referred to as cervical radiculopathy.

While some pinched nerves are in the shoulder, cervical spine nerves frequently contribute to shoulder pain.

The shoulder nerves start in the lower part of the cervical spine, travel through the brachial plexus, and into the radial part of the arm, ending at the point of the thumb. 

The pain that patients might describe as a pinched shoulder can be caused by interruption of this nerve line at any point.

Referred nerve pain can travel both up and down the nerve, meaning a pinched nerve at the brachial plexus can cause pain in the neck and arm, just as a pinched nerve in the cervical spine can cause pain through the shoulder and into the arm.

Common Causes of a Pinched Shoulder Nerve

There are many potential causes of a pinched shoulder nerve, including:

• Poor posture, placing strain on the shoulders or neck
• Extended periods of sitting and typing cause impingement in the lower cervical vertebrae
• Overuse injuries in sports, exercise, or work
• Herniated discs
• Arthritis
• Excess body weight may increase strain on the cervical spine and shoulder region, potentially leading to nerve compression.

Symptoms of a Pinched Shoulder Nerve

Despite having multiple causes, the common indicators of a pinched nerve in the shoulder are the same. They include:

• Pain radiating from the shoulder into the arm
• Tingling extending anywhere from the neck to the fingertips
• Numbness extending anywhere from the neck to the fingertips
• Weakened Muscles in the shoulder and arm
• Decreased range of motion in the shoulder

Whereas pinched nerves involve nerve compression, shoulder impingement involves tendons and can cause a wide array of symptoms:

• Difficulties with basic movements, such as raising the arm or reaching for something
• Limited activity due to pain
• Ongoing tingling and numbness, which may interfere with daily activities.
• Emotional distress, including depression and anxiety (common results of chronic pain)

Diagnosing a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder

As with any diagnosis, a physician will begin with a comprehensive medical history and assessment of symptoms and complaints. Clear communication with healthcare providers can aid in an accurate diagnosis.

A physical examination of the shoulder and neck will include:

• A visual inspection
• Palpation (feeling) of the shoulder and neck for any irregularities
• Strength testing
• Electromyography (EMG) tests, which measure muscle response and electrical activity in response to nerve stimulation

Additionally, shoulder-specific movement and stability tests may be performed, including:

• Hawkins-Kennedy test
• Neer's test
• Empty can test, also known as the Jobe's test
• Yocum's test

If there is an indication of more severe injury to the shoulder joints, a physician might order imaging studies like X-rays or an MRI.

Treatment For Shoulder Nerve Impingement

There are a variety of treatments for patients with a pinched nerve in the shoulder or neck.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

• Rest and immobilization to allow inflamed tissues to recover
• Physical therapy to strengthen the musculature and increase the range of motion
• Anti-inflammatory medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen

Surgical Options

• Subscapular nerve release (SNR), where the nerve behind the shoulder blade is cleared of anything that is compressing it
• Surgery to remove bone spurs or part of a bulging disc
• Subacromial decompression (acromioplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes bone or tissue to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons and may also reduce shoulder impingement symptoms.

Complementary Therapies

• Some individuals seek chiropractic care for symptom management, though research on its effectiveness for pinched nerves remains mixed. Consult a healthcare provider before pursuing chiropractic treatment.
• Massage therapy can be effective by relaxing musculature that might be pinching the nerve or pulling bones out of alignment.
• Some studies suggest acupuncture may help manage shoulder discomfort, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for nerve pain. Speak with a healthcare provider before pursuing this option.

Consult a healthcare provider to determine treatment suitability.

Prevention and Self-Care

Pinched nerves in the shoulder and neck, along with general pain and stiffness, can often be prevented with self-care, exercises, and lifestyle interventions.

• Optimizing workstation ergonomics may help reduce strain.
• Proper lifting and moving techniques are important, especially for patients who work in a profession that requires such lifting.
• Exercises and stretches, when done correctly, may help support muscle strength and mobility. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise routine, especially if experiencing pain.
• Lifestyle modifications, including maintaining a healthy weight to avoid excess strain on the muscles and bones, managing stress to alleviate unconscious muscle tension, and engaging in regular exercise for strength and stability, provide support to the joints, spine, and bones of the shoulder.

[signup]

Key Takeaways

• A pinched nerve in the shoulder is a common issue, especially among patients who sit for long periods.
• Poor posture, overuse injuries, herniated disks, arthritis, obesity, and bone spurs are common causes of pinched nerves.
• Symptoms range from shooting pain to numbness and tingling in the arm and fingers.
• There are various non-surgical treatment options, including rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, stretching and targeted exercises, under professional guidance, may support recovery.
• Patients should consult their healthcare providers before implementing new treatments or exercise programs.
• Diagnostic testing can include a range of motion tests, strength tests, electromyography, X-rays, and MRIs.
• Patients should work with their medical teams to prevent and treat shoulder nerve pain before it becomes severe. Education is always important, and patients can not only help themselves but also inform friends and family members.