A pinched shoulder nerve, or radiculopathy, is caused by compression of a nerve that originates from your spinal cord and goes to your shoulder. Smaller nerves branch from your spinal cord, sending those signals to and from skin, muscle and other body tissues. Nerve compression can be from bones, cartilage, muscles and tendons around the nerve, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states the most common causes of radiculopathy are disc herniations, arthritis and narrowing of the spinal canal. Here are symptoms to look for if you think you have pinched nerve.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom of a pinched nerve going to your shoulder, according to the Mayo Clinic. This pain can be sharp or burning and may cover a small or large shoulder area, depending on where the nerve compression is located. If it's close to the spinal cord, neck movement, coughing or sneezing may aggravate the pain. If you are experiencing pain and over-the-counter medications are not effective alert your doctor. There may be prescription medications that can provide you with better pain relief.
Numbness and Tingling
A pinched shoulder nerve can also cause numbness and tingling in the shoulder area, according to the AAOS. The numbness can either be decreased sensation to touch, or it can feel like the shoulder is "dead." Tingling is a sensation that feels like "pins and needles." The numbness and tingling can occur anywhere between your neck and your hands depending on the location of the compression. If you are experiencing these symptoms, alert your doctor.
Weakness
Weakness is a common symptom of a pinched nerve, because nerves are what activates muscles to move. If a nerve is compressed, the signal will be weak, thus causing muscle weakness. If you have a pinched shoulder nerve weakness will generally occur when trying to lift your shoulder. This can cause difficulty when reaching for things above your head or performng other daily activities. Weakness can also occur in other parts of your arm depending on the nerve compression's location. The Mayo Clinic also states that muscle twitching can occur with a pinched nerve. If you are experiencing weakness or muscle twitching that is not improving, see your doctor.
