About the condition

What are pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves?

Within the shoulder there are multiple nerves forming a nerve complex, some of which come from the neck (cervical spine). A pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves occurs when a shoulder structure presses on or compress these nerves coming down from the neck – a pinched nerve within the shoulder can cause shoulder pain stemming from the neck and can also be referred to ascervical radiculopathy. Nerves can also become ‘entrapped’ when muscles form tightly around shoulder nerves or if adhesions develop between nearby tissue and the nerve.

These nerve injuries often disrupt neural signals from the brain, also affecting range of movement and pain, felt both at the site and referred pain in nearby structures (e.g. pain down the arm).

Causes

What are the causes of pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves?

Shoulder nerve compression is usually caused by pressure or entrapment of either the shoulder nerve complex (mainly thesuprascapularnerve) or cervical nerves. This pressure can stem from bone or disk protrusions, or inflamed muscle and tissue. Pinched nerves within the shoulder are usually linked to cervicalnerve root compression– common causes of pinched nerves include:

Cervical disc degeneration– wearing down of spinal discs over time, causing them to rub together; can also develop bone spurs which also press on nerves
Cervicaldisc herniation– prolapsed spinal discs pressing on nearby nerves
Acute injuries– car accident, falls, blow to the shoulder, etc.Contact sports– susceptible to shoulder and cervical injuries
Contact sports– susceptible to shoulder and cervical injuries
Overuse of muscle– overstretching and overusing muscles can cause tightness or adhesions to form that press or entrap nerves
Differential diagnoses– conditions include arthritis, shoulder instability, etc.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Pain – felt as sharp and severe Referred pain felt down the arms (radiating; dull)Neck pain/tension
Referred pain felt down the arms (radiating; dull)
Neck pain/tension
Stiffness/weakness when moving the arm or shoulder
Tingling/numbness in fingers or hand
Reduced range of movement
Headaches
Difficulty sleeping/tiredness
Muscle ‘drop’ – shoulders seem imbalanced
Comorbid or differential diagnoses ofother nerve disorders,herniated discs,cervical radiculopathy, arthritis, tendon orligament tears,shoulder bursitis,fractures, etc.

Treatment

Treatment for pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves

If you suspect you have a pinched or entrapped nerve and have pain in your shoulder, it is important to see a medical professional. You will likely be referred for imaging tests to determine the origin and extent of the injury or to rule out a differential diagnosis.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in reducing nerve pain and inflammation. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, driving and strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, anti-inflammatory pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use neck support or a suitable pillow.

Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Shockwave Therapy
Dry needling
Taping
A unique home exercise program
Graded Exposure to load program

Pinched or Entrapped Shoulder Nerves Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves?

What are the causes of pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for pinched or entrapped shoulder nerves

Treating Pinched or Entrapped Shoulder Nerves in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly