If you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder, the pain is probably the first thing you'll notice. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to ease the pain. Try to relax as best you can and rest your shoulder—your pinched nerve will usually take care of itself and start to feel better in a few days. If the pain becomes unbearable or doesn't seem to get better, see your doctor for medical treatment. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Here are 12 effective ways to treat a pinched nerve in your shoulder.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat's the best treatment for a pinched nerve in the shoulder?Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards.When patients say they have a pinched nerve in the shoulder, they usually are referring to the neck where you have a nerve coming from to be pinched. For that, work on stretching exercises for the neck, especially if you have a lot of neck tension. For instance, take your left hand, put it over the right side of your head, and bend your head towards your left shoulder for 15-30 seconds. Then do the other side.
Tips
- A pinched nerve will typically go away on its own within 4-6 weeks. In the meantime, treatment focuses on easing the symptoms of pain and inflammation. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
Warnings
- If you experience a sudden onset of numbness, weakness, or paralysis that doesn't go away, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a more serious condition than a pinched nerve.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves
- ↑ https://vispdocs.com/relieve-pinched-nerve-in-shoulder/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/q5SsM9PWWYc?t=208
- ↑ https://youtu.be/q5SsM9PWWYc?t=293
- ↑ https://youtu.be/q5SsM9PWWYc?t=384
- ↑ https://youtu.be/q5SsM9PWWYc?t=531
- ↑ https://www.mercy.com/health-care-services/orthopedics-sports-medicine-spine/specialties/head-neck-spine/conditions/cervical-radiculopathy
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/symptoms-causes/syc-20354746
- ↑ https://www.mercy.com/health-care-services/orthopedics-sports-medicine-spine/specialties/head-neck-spine/conditions/cervical-radiculopathy
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abq3749
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves
- ↑ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/cervical-radiculopathy-pinched-nerve/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354751
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pinched-nerve/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354751
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves
About This Article
If you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder, you’ll need to rest it and give it time to heal, but you can ease the pain with over-the-counter medications and ice packs. While resting your shoulder, try to avoid anything that causes pain, including lifting heavy items or sleeping on the side that’s pinched, which can further compress the nerve. You can also reduce the pain and inflammation by taking an anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Wrapping an ice pack or some ice cubes in a towel and applying it to your shoulder for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help ease the pain and swelling. When you’re sitting or standing, keep your shoulders back to avoid hunching, which can make the issue worse. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to get professional treatment for your pinched nerve, keep reading!