Injury, damage or unusual pressure affecting the nerves that run throughout the shoulders can cause patients to develop pinched nerve symptoms. Patients who are obese or have osteoarthritis are at an increased risk of developing pinched nerve symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Anyone who develops the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the shoulder should seek additional care from a medical professional to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
Numbness or Tingling
Compression of a nerve within the shoulder can cause a patient to experience unusual sensations of numbness or tingling within the affected shoulder. These sensations can radiate down the affected arm and may contribute to tingling or burning within the hand. Numbness or tingling may arise gradually and typically persists until the pressure placed on the pinched nerve resolves. Patients who experience these pinched nerve symptoms in the shoulder for more than a few days should consult a doctor for additional care.
Pain
Patients with a pinched nerve in the shoulder can experience shooting pain in the affected arm as a symptom of this condition, report health officials with the University of Iowa. Symptoms of pain can be severe and may persist until the damaged nerve heals. Attempts to use the affected shoulder during usual physical activities may cause pain symptoms to become worse. Patients who experience frequent shoulder pain due to a pinched nerve may find some relief from this symptom through the use of an over-the-counter antiinflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. Severe or persistent shoulder pain can be a sign of alternate medical problems, such as a torn rotator cuff, and affected patients should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
Weakness
Nerve compression in the shoulder can limit the ability of the affected nerve to stimulate muscle contraction and relaxation within the shoulder. As a result, patients with a pinched nerve in the shoulder can experience sudden or significant weakness within the affected arm, reports MayoClinic.com. Certain patients can also experience unusual muscle twitching or spasms in the shoulder muscles. These pinched nerve symptoms can interfere with the ability of a patient to move the affected shoulder normally. Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to permanent medical problems. Patients who develop these pinched nerve symptoms should contact a doctor for additional guidance and care.
