How to Recognize When You Need Pinched Nerve Shoulder Treatment

How to Recognize When You Need Pinched Nerve Shoulder Treatment

Are you dealing with radiating arm pain? You might be experiencing cervical radiculopathy. Don’t worry. This medical term sounds a lot scarier than the condition actually is. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a pinched cervical nerve, and how physical therapy can help you find relief.

What Are the Causes of a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder?

Cervical radiculopathy can be due to an irritated or compressed nerve in your neck. Severe shoulder pain could be the result when the injured nerve involves shoulder function. This condition can be caused by disk degeneration, herniated disk, or an acute injury.

Your physical therapist can narrow the possibilities of the cause of the shoulder pain by taking your medical history and conducting a physical exam. With that information the physical therapist can direct you to the best action to take to receive the appropriate care for your current condition.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder?

For many patients, cervical radiculopathy can cause pain, numbness, and/or discomfort in the shoulder region. It is important to understand this condition so you know when to see a specialist.

A patient may also present other symptoms, which may include:

• Pain or discomfort in the shoulder region
• Radiating pain that tends to travel from the neck all the way down the arm
• Muscle weakness in the affected areas
• Tingling in the fingers or hands with “pins and needles” sensation
• Loss of sensation in the affected areas
• Difficulty extending or turning your neck

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, record what you are feeling and how long they have lasted.

Read more about Thoracic Nerve Root Entrapment >>
Read more about Cervical Radiculopathy >>

What Are The Treatment Options for a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder?

Common physical therapy treatment options for cervical radiculopathy include:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on care can include soft tissue massage, stretching and joint mobilization to help improve alignment, mobility, and range of motion.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to restore joint mobility, range of motion, and strengthen muscles to decrease the amount of stress placed on the spinal joints, discs, and neck.
• Neuromuscular Re-education: By retraining the patient in proper sleeping, sitting, and body mechanics, improved posture, and stability can help to protect the injured spine.
• Modalities: Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, and other modalities can help to decrease pain and inflammation.
• Home programs: Patients will learn different strengthening, stretching, and stabilization exercises to aid in performing daily tasks and advancing to the next level of function.

Find Pinched Nerve Shoulder Treatment at Twin Boro Physical Therapy

Since 1980, Twin Boro has been caring for NJ communities. Our mission is to maximize and improve the function and quality of our patients’ lives. With offices in 51 locations and 16 counties, we are the state’s largest private physical therapy practice.

Schedule your in-clinic or telehealth treatment today by calling1-732-444-3578.
We are OPEN and committed to our patients and their safety!