Fact Checked
A pinched nerve in the shoulder blade is a condition where excess pressure is placed on the tissue surrounding the nerve and the muscle, bone and cartilage. A pinched nerve is painful and uncomfortable especially if it affects the shoulder blade.
Causes of pinched nerve in the shoulder blade
- Women with large breast are susceptible to develop a pinched nerve caused by poor posture due to the weight of a large breast.
- Overexertion of the arms can compress the nerves
- A repeated movement of the shoulder
- An overweight person is susceptible to a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade due to an excessive weight and pressure placed on the muscles and nerves.
- Pressure exerted by the growing fetus on the nerves and muscles.
Pain and muscle spasms. The pain from a pinched nerve spread along one area of the body. - Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome place plenty of pressure on the nerves.
Symptoms
- Pain and muscle spasms. The pain from a pinched nerve spread along one area of the body.
- Difficulty in lifting objects and even raising the arms overhead. Weakness can affect a single hand or the entire arm and will depend on which nerve is affected.
- Pins and needle sensations can happen when the nerve is compressed also called paresthesia and there is also numbness of the affected area.
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest for fast healing of the condition. Minimize movement of the arm or shoulder when suffering from pinched nerve.
- Lay flat on the back to lessen pressure on the tissues and muscles.
- Apply hot and cold compresses on the shoulder blade to relieve a pinched nerve. Apply alternately hot and cold compress on the affected area or arm to lessen pain and inflammation. Apply the cold pack on the area for at least 15 minutes and then follow it with a warm pack for another 15 minutes. Continue with this process until pain lessens. Avoid applying ice directly on the skin to prevent further damage on the area and worsen the condition. Wrap ice in a small towel or cloth before placing to the area. Another alternative is fill an old sock with rice and put it inside a microwave for at least 1 minute and then apply it on the affected shoulder as a wet heat.
- Mix 10-15 drops of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or sandalwood to a hot bath to lessen pain.
- Wear a neck pillow to lessen the pressure on the affected area.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen to lessen the pain and inflammation caused by a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade.
- Seek the help of the physical therapist for some stretching and strengthening exercises to lessen pressure on the pinched nerve.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/compressed-nerves#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/pinched-nerve-shoulder-pain