A pinched nerve in your shoulder can be more than just an inconvenient ache. It can stop you mid-task, disrupt your daily routine, and make you feel frustrated when even simple movements spark sharp, radiating pain. Whether it’s making it harder to type on your computer, lift objects, or enjoy your favorite activities, finding relief becomes an immediate priority.
Fortunately, you don’t have to just wait and hope the pain goes away on its own. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can start taking steps to help alleviate discomfort and regain mobility.
Pinched shoulder nerve symptoms
Making sure the pain you’re feeling is due a pinched nerve in the shoulder is the first step toward finding effective treatment. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits your activities. Here’s what to look out for:
Common symptoms of a pinched shoulder nerve
- Sharp, shooting pain: This is the hallmark symptom of a pinched nerve, often radiating from the shoulder to the arm or neck.
- Tingling or “pins and needles”: A prickly sensation in the affected area, which can extend down into the hand or fingers.
- Muscle weakness: You may notice reduced grip strength or difficulty lifting objects.
- Numbness: A “dead arm” feeling can occur in parts of the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Reduced range of motion: Turning your head or moving your arm may feel restricted or painful.
How to tell the difference between nerve pain and other shoulder problems
A pinched nerve in the shoulder can sometimes be confused with general shoulder injuries, arthritis, or other chronic conditions. Here’s how it differs:
- Unlike muscle injuries, nerve pain often feels sharp and radiates along specific pathways, such as from the nerve root in the neck to the shoulder and down the arm.
- While arthritis produces stiffness and joint tenderness, a pinched shoulder nerve tends to cause a more localized stinging or burning sensation.
- Chronic shoulder pain conditions typically worsen with time, whereas a pinched nerve may fluctuate depending on activity and posture.
If you’re uncertain whether nerve pain is the cause, consulting a healthcare professional like a physical therapist can help you pinpoint the source of your discomfort and rule out other concerns.
What causes a nerve to be pinched?
Understanding what causes a pinched shoulder nerve can guide you in preventing similar issues in the future. A “pinched nerve,” also referred to as a “trapped nerve,” occurs when surrounding tissues (like bones, muscles, or cartilage) place pressure on a nerve. Here are the common culprits:
- Poor posture: Slouching or hunching over a computer for long periods can strain the neck and shoulder muscles, compressing nearby nerves.
- Repetitive motions: Activities that involve overusing shoulder muscles (like lifting weights, painting, or even carrying heavy bags) can lead to nerve compression.
- Herniated disc: A disc in your spine may protrude and press on a nerve that travels to the shoulder (radiculopathy).
- Trauma or injury: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause swelling or shifting of tissues that pinch a nerve.
- Arthritis: Bone spurs or joint swelling from arthritis can narrow the space through which nerves pass, leading to a trapped nerve.
Pinched nerves can happen to anyone, but lifestyle factors and occupations that rely on repetitive shoulder movements particularly increase the risk.
How to treat a pinched nerve in shoulder
The good news? A pinched nerve in the shoulder is rarely permanent. With the right treatment, most people find relief in a matter of weeks.
At-home treatments
- Rest and immobilization: Take a break from activities that worsen the pain. Using a shoulder brace may help limit pain-inducing movements, giving the nerve time to recover.
- Ice and heat therapy: Apply ice to reduce inflammation during the first 48 hours, then switch to a heating pad to help relax the muscles.
- Gentle stretching: Slow, pain-free stretches designed to target your shoulder and neck can alleviate tension on the nerve. Some stretches may make the issue worse, which is why it’s important to see a physical therapist before trying exercises or stretches on your own.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Pros: Affordable, accessible, and convenient.
Cons: May only provide temporary relief, and symptoms could persist or return when you stop using your chosen remedy.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat a pinched nerve in the shoulder. A licensed therapist can guide you through:
- Strengthening exercises that target supportive muscles.
- Posture correction to minimize nerve compression.
- Manual therapy techniques to relieve tension and increase mobility.
Pros: Provides the best chance at effective, long-term relief, strengthens the treatment area, and targets the root cause.
Cons: Requires time commitment and regular sessions.
Lifestyle adjustments
- Avoid activities that put a strain on your shoulder, such as heavy lifting or repetitive overhead movements.
- Ergonomic changes, like an improved workstation setup or adjusting sleeping positions, can help reduce stress on the shoulder and prevent future flare-ups.
Pros: Helps prevent recurrence of the issue.
Cons: May require permanent changes to certain routines.
If at-home treatments and lifestyle adjustments don’t offer sufficient relief, seeking professional help, such as physical therapy, is strongly recommended.
Finding pinched nerve relief through physical therapy
For many, the fastest and most effective way to treat a pinched shoulder nerve is through physical therapy. At Continuum Wellness in Apache Junction, AZ, our physical therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve-related pain. We create personalized treatment plans designed just for you, helping you regain movement and reduce discomfort without invasive procedures.
Learn more about how we can help by calling our clinic or by requesting an appointment online today.
