Trapped Nerve in Shoulder: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

A Trapped Nerve in the Shoulder has become a common issue, mainly in youngsters, though few people know about this problem. The trapped nerve is defined as the pressure or force exerted on the area of the nerve which brings pain, numbness, and weakness. Many people have felt someone insert a pin and needle around their shoulders. In addition, it causes weakness and numbness while lifting the shoulder. A study released that 85 of 100000 are affected by a trapped nerve problem. There are no particular age groups that are associated with trapped nerve pain.

Causes of Trapped Nerve in Shoulder - 

There are some reasons which cause Trapped Nerves in the Shoulder. Let's look at the closure picture of how trapped nerves occur in an individual. 

1. Nerve Injury -

The pressure or compression exerted by tissue, bone, and cartilage on the nerves inhibits the signals of the brain, which cause numbness and tingling sensation in the shoulder. The pain sometimes radiated to the arms and hands.

2. Herniated Disc - 

A trapped nerve is called a pinched nerve, as bone spurs around the spinal discs and compresses the vertebrae. In the last, particular nerves get compressed, too, resulting in pain due to the pressure exerted on the nerve root.

3. Arthritis -

In arthritis, the bone gets stiffened because the bone starts thickening; as a consequence, bone spurs harden the spine, and space gets narrow to enter the nerve. The narrow passage starts to exert pressure on the spinal cord, and in the last, pain and swelling occur as symptoms of trapped nerves.

4. Obesity -

Extra fatty tissue deposition around the spine's area starts compressing the nerves. Too much pressure blocks the signals from the nerve to the brain and vice versa, causing sharp pain in the shoulder.

5. Sports and repetitious Workouts - 

Many sports activities cause trapped nerves; for instance, basketball, tennis, and golf cause strain on the muscles and tendons. That results in the trapped and compressed nerve in the shoulder.Also, Read What Causes Back Pain When Breathing?

Treatment options for Trapped Nerve in Shoulder - 

The treatment for trapped nerves is vital because if you do not give attention to your shoulder, it can get worse daily. When you have pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and burning in the shoulder, your doctor may recommend or perform the following treatment options -

Analgesics (Medication) -

Having a few pain-relieving medications in your bag is important. Sometimes the trapped nerve in the shoulder can be very painful. Medication is the primary treatment option for trapped or pinched nerve pain in the shoulder.  Therefore, your spine doctor may prescribe medicines like NSAIDs, ibuprofen, and disperse.

Physiotherapy -

If you cannot heal with other factors and find difficulty moving your hands. Then it's good to approach a physiotherapist. A range of motion exercise should be performed to avoid other complications of the shoulder, for example, a frozen shoulder.

Surgery -

A doctor might advise surgery if the aforementioned remedies fail to ease the pain. Various surgical procedures surpass trapped nerve surgery. However, here are explain two surgeries in brief: 

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) - A surgeon enters the neck from the front of the body. Before fusing sections of the spine together to alleviate pain, they will remove the disc or bone that is the source of the pain.
• Injured or damaged disc Replacement - An artificial one made of metal, plastic, or a combination of the two is known as an artificial disc replacement. A surgeon will approach the spinal column from the front of the neck, just like in an ACDF.

Also, Read What causes Shortness of breath after eating?

5 remedies to treat trapped nerve at home -

Please follow the advice given below for your trapped or pinched nerve in your shoulder

1. Adequate Rest -

We all know that our body has healing power; thus, providing adequate rest to your nerves will fasten the recovery rate. Unnecessary shoulder movements can worsen the condition and severely damage other nerves. 

2. Standing Workstation -

Nowadays, people have become tech-savvy. It indeed brings some problems among people too. Sitting in a prolonged position can exert pressure on the spine, shoulder, and neck. Accordingly, standing stations are vital to curbing the terrible problems associated with Trapped Nerves in the Shoulder.

3. Posture Modification -

Any incorrect posture can worsen the tissue and exert more strain on them. So it is important to see your posture while sitting and standing. Moreover, extra accessories like fluffy cushions, mattresses, and chairs support our body structure and decrease the tension in the nerves.

4. Ice and Heat Packs -

Ice and Heat packs are the best to reduce inflammation. If you are having pain, you can use a cold compress for 15 minutes to relieve instant pain. Both are best for blood circulation as they reduce the discomfort from trapped nerves. 

5. Lifestyle Adaptation - 

Long-term, including a low-impact activity like walking, swimming, or biking in a routine may help minimize symptoms and maintain physical fitness. Gaining more mobility from regular exercise may help reduce inflammation, and losing excess weight might relieve strain on the nerves. Also, Read Understanding Back Pain: Causes and Preventive Measures.

Prevention for the trapped nerve - 

Although trapped or pinched nerves cannot always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintain stable body weight and upright stance.
• Keep your muscles flexible and powerful by performing stretching exercises.
• Avoid spending too much time sitting or lying still, or crossing your legs. Your leg's nerves may become squeezed as a result.
• Limiting and resting from repetitive motions is a good idea (such as typing). The wrist should be used when using a keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions -

When should I visit my doctor for treatment of a trapped nerve in the Shoulder?Call your provider if, after a few days, your trapped nerve's pain and other signs are still present.How long does it take for a shoulder nerve that became trapped to heal? How long before the trapped nerve resolves on its own? What is the duration? A majority will eventually, yes (4 to 6 weeks). You can reduce your discomfort with rest and painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.What occurs if a trapped nerve is not treated?Without the right care, a compressed nerve can progress into more severe problems such as disc degeneration or peripheral neuropathy. As a result of a neglected trapped nerve, you might also experience overall disease and chronic discomfort.Why do trapped nerves deteriorate during the night?The temperature of our bodies varies and slightly decreases at night. A colder room is also where most people like to sleep. Theoretically, injured nerves could interpret a change in temperature as discomfort or tingling, which would heighten the symptoms of neuropathy. Also, Read 8 Exercises & Stretches for Tailbone Pain Relief Quickly

Outlook -

If you think the Trapped Nerve in Shoulder has only just a few remedies. So my answer is a big NO. In the hospital, experts use advanced surgery to treat trapped nerve damage. So never hesitate to visit a good doctor. Your life is critical, and treating it at an early stage will make a hard difference in your life. Credihealth provides a plethora of better doctors in your footsteps. Your health is important. If your condition has become worse from then. Immediately book an appointment with a spine doctor to get possible treatment.