When anything compresses or pinches a nerve in the shoulder, it might cause pain, numbness, or tingling. Pinched nerves usually recover without therapy.

The word 'pinched nerve' is not medical, but rather vernacular. Compression of nerves over the shoulder and into the spine can result in shoulder pain, numbness, and tingling.

A pinched nerve in the shoulder might be caused by an acute injury, tissue growth, or changes in bone formation. This page will discuss common symptoms, causes, and therapies for the illness.

Signs and symptoms

A pinched nerve in the shoulder can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or discomfort that radiates into the arm, chest, or trapezius muscles.

You  may also have other symptoms, which include:

• muscle weakness in the arm, hand, or shoulder

• changes in feeling on the same side as the shoulder that hurts

• numbness and tingling in the fingers or hand

Causes

Nerve pain in the shoulder is frequently caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that transmit impulses from the spine to the arm. Because the shoulder is a complicated functional system made up of bone, muscle, and ligament, nerves in this area are frequently compressed by mechanical forces.

The suprascapular nerve, in particular, goes deep through the trapezius muscles and into the scapula, passing multiple possible compression locations. The suprascapular nerve is often compressed, causing shoulder pain and paralysis.

Direct injury to the shoulder, repeated motions, and cysts can all result in shoulder nerve compression.

Shoulder pain originating in the neck

A pinched nerve in the neck is a common cause of shoulder pain. This can happen when bone protrusions or swelling tissue compress the nerves that run from the spinal column to the neck and shoulder.

Shoulder pain, tingling, or numbness may result from nerve compression in the cervical spine, specifically. This represents the first seven vertebrae.

Some typical reasons for a pinched nerve in the neck include disc herniation, degeneration, or direct trauma.

Diagnosis

Doctors will begin the diagnosis by taking a history and performing a physical examination.

They may order imaging tests, including:

• electrodiagnostic studies

• X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

These tests can help a doctor diagnose a pinched nerve in the shoulder or another problem that may be causing shoulder pain. Other conditions include tendon rips and arthritis.

Treatment options

The majority of patients who have a pinched nerve will have their symptoms resolved without treatment. However, if symptoms do not resolve on their own, medical intervention will be required.

A doctor will typically propose nonsurgical therapy initially. If your discomfort does not respond to these therapies or worsens, your doctor may propose surgery.

Nonsurgical therapy options for a pinched nerve include:

• physical therapy

• oral or injectable corticosteroids

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If the aforementioned treatments no longer provide pain relief, a doctor may propose surgery. This could include decompression of the suprascapular or other identified nerve.

The surgical method will be determined by the patient's symptoms and the location of nerve compression.

Managing a pinched nerve in the shoulder

When you experience intense symptoms, you may wish to try the following:

• gently stretching to lessen stiffness

• use cold or warm compresses

• take anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications

When your symptoms start to get better, you may want to try the following to help prevent further pain episodes:

• Practicing correct postures while sleeping and sitting at a desk. Adjusting the height of your chair and keyboard may also help to reduce back discomfort.

• Regular exercise can help relieve stiffness and maintain a healthy weight.

• Massages that increase circulation to inflammatory areas can aid in recovery. Massages can also help reduce muscle stress.

A physical or occupational therapist can offer exercises and provide advice on how to improve posture at home and work.

Summary

A pinched nerve in the shoulder can be a painful condition that causes weakness, tingling, and numbness in the hands and arms.

Over-the-counter medications can typically assist in alleviating symptoms. If these approaches do not work, surgical options exist.

People should always consult their doctor if they have shoulder pain that lasts more than a few days.