Compression of a shoulder nerve is caused by repeated movements or by holding the body in one position for too long. You'll need to rest your shoulder and give it time to heal, but you can relieve the pain with over-the-counter medications and ice packs. If your doctor deems it necessary, they will recommend oral corticosteroids, steroid injections, physical therapy, or other treatments for the pinched nerve. Surgery is only necessary in the rare cases where scar tissue, a disc, or bone is pressing on the nerve.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Relieve Pain and Prevent Compressed Nerves
Step 1. Rest and avoid using your shoulder
Don't work too hard to avoid pain and give the joint time to heal. In particular, you should stop the activities that caused the nerve to be compressed.
- For example, a pinched nerve in your shoulder can be caused by lifting heavy loads while cleaning the garage. Wait to finish the project when the shoulder is healed.
- Sleeping on your side can cause a nerve to be compressed if the pressure on the shoulder is too great. Switch sides or sleep on your back to avoid further damage.
Step 2. Take an anti-inflammatory
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium relieve pain caused by a pinched nerve. These are over-the-counter medicines, but you should ask your doctor what options are best for you, especially if you are taking other medications.
For example, he may suggest that you not take aspirin if you are already taking blood thinners
Step 3. Put an ice pack on your shoulder
Wrap a store-bought ice pack, plastic-wrapped cubes, or even a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel. Keep it on your shoulder for 10-15 minutes to get relief from the cold.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as this can cause damage and further pain
Step 4. Change your posture so you don't put pressure on your shoulder
If you are sitting or standing, try to keep your shoulders back and not lean forward. Arching your back can cut off blood flow to the nerve, making the problem worse. If you can't keep your shoulder back, buy a brace on the internet or at an orthopedic store that can correct your posture.
When you rest in bed, put your arms on a pillow and keep your shoulders relaxed. Stretching them or hunching the upper body forward can make the pain worse
Step 5. Do shoulder stretches
Try the lifts, keeping your feet firmly on the ground and bringing your shoulders towards your ears. Repeat 5-10 times to stretch the compressed nerve.
- You can also try shoulder rotations, in which you twist them up towards your ears, then back 5-10 times in a clockwise direction.
- Try doing these stretches at least once a day to relieve tension in the shoulder area.
Method 2 of 3: Receive Professional Treatments
Step 1. Take oral corticosteroids
Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids as injections or pills to relieve pain and swelling caused by nerve compression. He may also suggest you take over-the-counter pain relievers. Always follow her dosage instructions and never exceed the recommended dosage.
Side effects of corticosteroids include increased blood sugar and risk of infections. These effects become more common if the drug is used long-term
Step 2. Put on a shoulder brace
Your doctor may provide you with a brace or sling, which will restrict shoulder movement, to speed up healing. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to wear the brace.
Step 3. Work with a physical therapist
A physical therapist can develop a specific exercise program to strengthen and stretch your muscles, relieving pressure on the nerve. Since repetitive, stressful movements can cause nerve compression, these exercises are often an important part of the healing process.
Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist if you don't know which one to go to
Step 4. Undergo a deep tissue massage by a professional massage therapist
Be sure to tell the massage therapist that you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder before starting the session. It can help you release tension and relieve shoulder and neck pain.
Search online to find a professional massage therapist who has experience with back problems. You can also ask friends and family for a recommendation
Step 5. Undergo surgery if needed
Normally, surgery is used for compressed nerves only when other treatments have not been effective after weeks or months. Your doctor will determine if the operation is a better choice than the other treatments.
- Surgery may be necessary if nerve compression is caused by a bone, disc, scar tissue, or wound.
- Before the surgery, your doctor will ask you if you are taking any medications or if you have any illnesses. It will also give you a chance to ask him questions.
- Be sure to ask your doctor how to treat your shoulder after the operation.
Method 3 of 3: Diagnosing a Compressed Nerve
Step 1. Notice the symptoms
Usually a pinched nerve is accompanied by specific symptoms. If you have a shoulder problem, you may experience a combination of the following symptoms in that area:
- Numbness
- Pain that spreads outward
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
Step 2. Undergo medical tests
See your doctor for a shoulder check and an analysis of your symptoms. The doctor may use various tests to check if the problem is caused by a pinched nerve, including:
- Nerve conduction study, which measures electrical impulses from nerves by placing electrodes on the skin.
- Electromyography (EMG), which uses needle electrodes to test the electrical activity of the muscles.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can show if your nerves are compressed.
Step 3. If necessary, have other nerves tested
Shoulder pain can be caused by other problems. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain that spreads to the shoulder. If your doctor doesn't find any problems with the nerves in your shoulder, they may perform other tests on different areas of the body.
