Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
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The nerve is pinched when a bone, swollen tissue, or a protruded disk is pressuring the nerves going from the spinal column toward the shoulder and neck.
The spinal column has 24 bones known as vertebrae. They sit atop each other with disks between each of them that act as protection. This column is divided into three areas, i.e., cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.
A pinched shoulder nerve affects the cervical spine or the first seven vertebrae. Nerves that transmit signals to and from the brain to other body parts extend from the cervical spine.
These are some of the reasons for a pinched shoulder nerve:
As time goes by, the gel-like disks between the vertebrae begin to wear down.
So, the bones get closer and rub against each other and the nerves. In some cases, a person may develop bone spurs.
These are bony growths on the vertebrae which cause pressure on the shoulder nerves.
In some cases, a disk may stick out and put pressure on the nerves where they go out of the spinal column.
This will result in more pain during activities like bending, lifting, or twisting.
An acute injury like from sports or a car accident may cause a herniated disk or inflamed tissue that is pressing on the nerves.
In most cases, a pinched shoulder nerve goes away on its own, without a need for additional treatment.
If treatment is needed, the doctor will take into account the cause of the pinched nerve, the pain severity, and how much the pain interferes with daily activities.
Non-surgical options are the first treatment. If they don’t lower the pain or if the pain worsens, surgery will be recommended.
The non-surgical treatments include NSAIDs like ibuprofen, oral corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, cervical collar, and physical therapy.
To manage the pain, you can apply ice packs up to 48 hours after the pain has begun. After this period, use a warm pack. It’s also recommendable to sleep on a neck-supporting pillow.
You can also take pain-relieving meds.
