Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: How to relieve pain and prevent pinching
• Method 2 of 3: Professional Help
• Method 3 of 3: Diagnosis
• Warnings

A pinched nerve in the shoulder is due to compression of the nerve during monotonous movements or due to prolonged stay in one position. The shoulder needs rest to heal, but pain can be relieved with over-the-counter medications and cold compresses. If deemed necessary, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, steroid injections, physical therapy, and other treatments for a pinched nerve. The need for surgery arises only in the rarest cases when scar tissue, herniated discs or bone presses on the nerve.

Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: How to relieve pain and prevent pinching

1. 1 Relax and do not move your shoulder. Get some rest so you don't provoke pain and your shoulder can heal. In particular, stop performing actions that could cause pinching.
   • For example, a pinched nerve in your shoulder can be caused by lifting heavy objects while cleaning the garage. Finish cleaning after the shoulder has healed.
   • Sleeping on your side can also compress a nerve if you push hard on your shoulder. Change the side you sleep on or sleep on your back to prevent further damage.
2. 2 Take anti-inflammatory drugs. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help relieve pain caused by a pinched nerve. These products can be purchased without a prescription, but you should still consult with your doctor to find the best drug for you, especially if you are already taking something.
   • For example, your doctor may recommend that you stop using aspirin if you are taking blood thinners.
3. 3 Attach to your shoulder ice pack. Take an ice pack, ice cubes in a plastic bag, or even a bag of frozen vegetables and wrap it in a towel. Apply the compress to your shoulder for 10-15 minutes to relieve pain.
   • Don't put ice directly on your skin. Doing so will only hurt yourself even more and increase the pain.
4. 4 Change your posture so you don't put pressure on your shoulder. When sitting or standing, try to keep your shoulders back and not slouch to avoid obstructing blood flow to your nerves and exacerbating the problem. If you are having trouble keeping your back straight and your shoulders straightened, order online or buy a posture corrector from a health care store.
   • Lying on the bed, place your hands on the pillow and relax your shoulders. Stretching or bending your upper body can make the situation worse.
5. 5 Stretch your shoulders. Do an exercise called shrugs. During it, you need to firmly put your feet on the floor and pull your shoulders to your ears. Do 5-10 reps to stretch the pinched nerve.
   • Perform shoulder swings. During this exercise, you need to pull your shoulders up and then lower them down in a clockwise direction. Do 5-10 reps.
   • Try to do these exercises at least once a day to relieve tension in your shoulder.

Method 2 of 3: Professional Help

1. 1 Take oral corticosteroids. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, pills or injections, to help relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by pinching. He may also prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow your doctor's directions for dosage and never take more than the recommended dose.
   • Side effects of taking corticosteroids can increase blood sugar levels and increase the risk of infection.They often occur with prolonged use of the drug.
2. 2 Wear a splint over your shoulder. Your doctor may give you a splint or bandage to wear over your shoulder. It will restrict your movement so your shoulder can heal. Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to wear it.
3. 3 Get physical therapy. The physical therapist will develop a specific exercise program to help strengthen and stretch the muscles and relieve tension from the pinched nerve. Because repetitive and strenuous movements can lead to a pinched nerve, these exercises are often an important part of the healing process.
   • Ask your PCP to refer you to a physical therapist if you are unsure of who to contact.
4. 4 Sign up for a deep tissue massage. Before the massage, be sure to tell the massage therapist that you have a pinched nerve in your shoulder. A massage therapist can relieve tension and pain in the shoulder and neck.
   • Search online for an experienced massage therapist who has dealt with shoulder problems. Ask friends or family for advice on a good professional.
5. 5 Get shoulder surgery if needed. As a rule, surgery is only necessary if, after weeks or even months, other treatments have not improved the situation. Doctors will decide if surgery for the pinched nerve is more beneficial than other treatments.
   • Surgery may be necessary if bone, disc, or scar tissue is pressing on the nerve, or if the pinching was caused by injury.
   • Before the surgery, your doctor will ask you about the medications you are taking and about your past medical conditions. Do not forget to ask the questions you are interested in about the operation.
   • Be sure to ask him about how to monitor your shoulder after surgery.

Method 3 of 3: Diagnosis

1. 1 Pay attention to the symptoms. A pinched nerve is usually accompanied by certain symptoms. If you pinch a nerve in your shoulder, then a combination of the following symptoms will occur in this place:
   • numbness;
   • pain emanating from the shoulder;
   • tingling sensation;
   • muscle weakness.
2. 2 Complete medical research. See your doctor to have your shoulder examined and analyzed for symptoms. If the problem is caused by a pinched nerve, your doctor may ask you to have several tests, including:
   • a nerve conduction test, during which electrodes are attached to the skin to measure electrical impulses emanating from the nerve;
   • electromyography (EMG), during which the electrical activity of the muscles is checked using electrodes in the form of needles;
   • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can show a pinched nerve.
3. 3 Check other nerves if necessary. What appears to be shoulder pain may actually be caused by another problem. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck can lead to pain that spreads to the shoulder. If the doctor does not find any problems with the nerves in the shoulder, they may check the nerves elsewhere.

Warnings

• Outgoing shoulder pain, especially on the left side, may be a symptom of a heart attack. Call an ambulance without delay on 103 (mobile) or 03 (landline) if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms of a heart problem.