MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that a pinched nerve in the shoulder, termed cervical spondylosis, is a disorder of the cartilage and bones in the neck. A pinched nerve may result from narrowing of the cervical spinal canal, or from a herniated disc, or disc bulge, occurring in the neck region of the spine. A pinched nerve coming from the neck and affecting the shoulder can result in significant symptoms including numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the shoulder. In more severe cases, a pinched nerve may make it difficult for a patient to complete activities of daily living. Therefore, a patient should be aware of the available treatments for a pinched nerve in the shoulder.
Neck Brace
MayoClinic.com states that a patient may relieve a pinched nerve affecting the shoulder by wearing a neck brace, or cervical collar. This may be beneficial because the neck brace may help limit neck motion and reduce irritation or pinching of the nerve that is affecting the shoulder. With adequate rest, the nerve may heal on its own and numbness, pain and weakness in the shoulder region may improve. In order to be beneficial, however, a patient must wear the cervical collar as directed by his physician. If symptoms worsen while wearing the cervical collar, he should immediately consult his doctor for proper assessment.
Medications
Medications can treat a pinched nerve in the shoulder. According to MayoClinic.com, a patient may take over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications belong to a class termed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and reduce pain and inflammation by reducing chemical signals associated with pain and inflammation, specifically along the pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder. In addition, a doctor may recommend acetaminophen, which reduces pain signals in the brain, but does not reduce inflammation in the neck or the shoulder, which may be irritating the nerve. These medications are relatively safe in healthy patients if used as directed. Patients with kidney, liver, stomach or heart problems should consult a physician before taking medications to treat a pinched nerve.
Physical Therapy
A physician may also recommend a course of physical therapy. With physical therapy, a therapist can stretch and strengthen the muscles around the neck, which will help reduce irritation or compression of the nerve coming from the neck and going into the shoulder. In addition, a physical therapist can teach a patient home exercises to maintain shoulder and neck strength, which will prevent future compression of the nerve. Finally, physical therapy may be beneficial because a therapist can provide modalities, such as ice therapy, heat therapy, massage or ultrasound therapy, which can help relieve symptoms. Physical therapy is only beneficial if a patient commits to attending all sessions and continues to perform home exercises once discharged from physical therapy.
