A Closer Look At Pinched Nerve In Shoulder Conditions
If you have a pinched nerve in shoulder problem, it can be very uncomfortable. Impinged or pinched nerves can create a host of symptoms and may affect other parts of the body. Here is information on this condition, and what can be done about it.
Your nerves serve as a highway or conduit and allow information to be passed from the brain to a specific region of the body. If for some reasons nerves become irritated or impinged, it can cause pain signals to be transported along the pathway. This often results in a lot of discomfort.
Pinched nerve in shoulder symptoms may include numbness or loss of feeling in the affected shoulder. However, nerves run all the way to the hands and one may experience discomfort in the hands or arms. This discomfort may be in the form of a tingling sensation and it could feel like an electrical shock or something very hot.
Irritated nerves may also cause muscle spasms or twitches. One may experience a feeling similar to being stuck with something small and sharp like a needle. This can happen when you sleep on your side and place pressure on your arms. You may awaken with a feeling that your hand is dead and has no sensations. This is often confused with a lack of circulation when in reality it has nothing to do with it, and is caused by too much pressure on nerves. This temporarily blocks signals from the brain to the hands, causing a loss of sensation.
If you are having these kinds of problems for very long, it is best to consult with your physician. Your doctor will ask you a lot of questions and will perform an examination. You may be asked to do certain movements that create pain or odd sensations. Your treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and your age and sex.
In some cases, your doctor may order testing and this may include lab work. For some situations, this kind of pain may be the result of underlying conditions, and your medical professional may wish to rule out certain issues. Also, you may receive testing known as an electromyogram or EMG.
An EMG can sometimes be painful but they are an effective way to determine certain conditions. During the EMG test, a small needle is inserted into muscle tissue in two regions. This needle is used to register electrical activity in the muscle. A current is then passed through the needles and is registered on a machine. This tells the technician if impulses are being properly transmitted along nerves. If they are impinged, the strength of the signal will be much weaker than normal.
EMG testing can be very beneficial for some conditions. For instance, you might be experiencing numbness or burning sensations in one of your hands. This can be caused by a problem in the spine or back. The EMG pinpoints where the difficulties are so effective therapy can be given.
Many things can cause shoulder nerves to become irritated. This is why treatment for this condition can vary a great deal from person to person. For instance, if the problem is related to obesity, it may help a great deal to lose some weight. Perhaps you are in pain due to posture problems or poor work ergonomics. You may benefit a great deal from physical therapy.
If you have therapy for a pinched nerve in shoulder condition, it may include stretching exercises and heat therapy. Some people may respond well to massage. If the problem is related to the spine, one may receive relief with the help of gentle chiropractic adjustment, to relieve pressure on nerves in the back.
Your physician may recommend rest and refraining from a great deal of motion. If you play sports regularly, you may need to avoid that activity for a while. You may benefit from over the counter or prescription medications. Anti inflammatory drugs may help a great deal with type of condition. You might need to sleep on your back and avoid side sleeping for some time. Sleeping on the side can place pressure on shoulders.
In some situations, pregnant women may suffer with pinched nerve in shoulder problems. This can be a result of carrying a child and the pressure it can place on the body. Gentle stretching exercises may help with pain. After the child is born, most of these conditions go away.
If one of your parents has pinched nerve in shoulder issues, you may also. Some people have a genetic predisposition to this condition. If this is the case, you may need to do regular exercises to keep the shoulders stretched and the muscles relaxed.
Women with larger than normal breasts, may sometimes suffer with pinched nerves in the shoulders. Often times, it can be a result of improper posture due to breast size and weight. Proper exercises may help these conditions considerably, and in some cases, breast reduction surgery may be considered.
Arthritic conditions may contribute to problems with nerves. This can affect all of the major joints. Standard arthritis treatments may prove to be very beneficial for relieving the pain and discomfort. However, if the problem is rheumatoid arthritis, it may be more difficult to treat. Yet, when inflammation is relieved it may solve the problem.
If you are dealing with a pinched nerve in shoulder condition, it can be very disruptive to your lifestyle and daily schedule. Also, just because a friend has a similar condition, does not mean you have the same thing. Try gentle stretching exercises and over the counter anti inflammatory medications, to relieve pain. If your problem persists, make an appointment to see your doctor. Write down everything you want to ask your physician and take it with you to the office. Most people will not require corrective surgery for pinched nerve in shoulder issues.
Pinched nerve in shoulder conditions can cause pain or numbness in the arms and hands. It can be a burning or shocking sensation. Find out the cause of your problem so you can get effective relief.
