Nerve Disorders of the Shoulder Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are nerve disorders of the shoulder?

There are many nerves that run along the shoulder and arm that innervate muscles and structures to facilitate movement and sensation. The development, type and severity of a nerve issues can vary from person to person. Damage to neural structures or increased pressure from surrounding tissues like cartilage or tendons applied onto a nerve often causes the affected area to become inflamed or irritated, resulting in a myriad of painful and debilitating symptoms.

Some nerve disorders of the shoulder can mimic each other or other shoulder conditions with similar symptoms, or occur independently of each other.

Types of nerve disorders affecting the shoulder

There are a few types of common nerve disorders which affect the shoulder. Some can be related to a nerve injury or pinched nerve, but more specific neural disorders can include:

Fascioscapulohumeral Dystrophy

The cause of the condition is usually due to minor genetic defects involving the structure and function of muscle cells – muscle fibres within the shoulder and arm area cannot contract effectively, with muscle cells rather than nerves being the main culprit.

Parsonage Turner Syndrome

The cause of the nerve inflammation is relatively unknown – the condition usually progresses to trigger muscle weakness in the arm and possibly lead to partial paralysis. There currently is no cure for the syndrome, however certain physical therapy techniques can help symptoms.

Quadrilateral Space Syndrome

The main causes of the syndrome include muscle tightness, overuse of the shoulder, cysts from a labral tear, and in rare cases, haematomas or tumours.

Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy

The condition usually occurs as a result of damage/trauma to the nerve or its surrounding structures. It presents as deep pain in the shoulder blades and a possible ‘winging’ of the scapula.

Suprascapular Nerve Palsy

The condition usually occurs as a result of direct damage/trauma to the shoulder or structures surrounding the suprascapular nerve. It presents as deep pain in the posterior shoulder, often the result of repetitive overhead activities.

Trapezius Muscle Palsy

Trauma or a sudden jerking movement of the neck or arm can damage the nerve and trigger muscle wasting and weakness.

What are the symptoms?

General symptoms of a shoulder nerve disorders can include:

• Pain in both the affected and/or surrounding area of injury Sharp, sudden, dull, ache – ranges in severity
• Sharp, sudden, dull, ache – ranges in severity
• Muscle spasms, weakness and/or fatigue
• Nerve pain (pins & needles, tingling, sharp pain, burning, decreased sensation)
• Worsened pain with movement and/or inactivity
• Reduced range of movement
• Poor stability, balance and strength
• Swelling and inflammation
• Co-morbid or differential diagnoses of musculoskeletal injuries/conditions