Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder

Shoulder pain can develop from a variety of sources, such as tendinitis, arthritis, torn cartilage, and many other medical conditions and injuries. One other common cause of shoulder pain is a pinched nerve in the upper spine, also known as cervical radiculopathy.

A nerve can become pinched when bone spurs form around the spinal discs. These discs are the “shock absorbers” between the vertebrae in your spine. Bone spurs are new formations of bone that grow when discs start to weaken with age. As you get older, the vertebrae become compressed and the discs become thinner. Bone spurs grow around the discs to strengthen them, but that new bone growth can put pressure on the nerve root in the spine. 

If you feel a pinched nerve is causing your shoulder pain , you need to call your doctor for an exam , make sure to tell your doctor the symptoms you are having , this will help steer your doctor in the right direction. A pinched nerve may also leave you with a feeling of “pins and needles” in your shoulder. Your shoulder may also feel numb or weak when trying to lift something. In some cases , the pain may extend into the arm and hand.

If the source of your shoulder pain is from a pinched nerve , your doctor may recommend physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility in your neck and shoulder. Other treatments may include anti-inflammatory medication or injections of steroids. Steroid injections can reduce pain and swelling. 

Since a pinched nerve can be diagnosed and treated , you shouldn’t wait to have it evaluated , if the pain is caused from a different condition , you’re better off knowing what it is to avoid further damage and discomfort. Living with pain is uncomfortable and interferes with your life , the sooner you get checked out the sooner you will start to feel better.