Nerve damage in the shoulder can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on which nerve is affected and the severity of the damage.
Common Symptoms of Nerve Damage in the Shoulder:
- Pain: This can range from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain.
- Numbness or tingling: This is a common symptom of nerve damage and can affect the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers.
- Weakness: This can make it difficult to lift or move your arm.
- Loss of sensation: This can make it difficult to feel temperature or touch.
- Muscle atrophy: This is a wasting away of muscle tissue, which can occur if the nerve damage is severe.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills: This can make it difficult to perform tasks such as buttoning a shirt or writing.
Types of Nerve Damage in the Shoulder:
There are several nerves that can be affected by damage in the shoulder, including:
- Suprascapular nerve: This nerve supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, which are responsible for rotating and lifting the arm. Damage to this nerve can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty with arm rotation.
- Axillary nerve: This nerve supplies the deltoid muscle, which is responsible for lifting and rotating the arm. Damage to this nerve can cause weakness and pain in the shoulder.
- Long thoracic nerve: This nerve supplies the serratus anterior muscle, which helps to stabilize the shoulder blade. Damage to this nerve can cause weakness and pain in the shoulder and difficulty with lifting the arm.
- Dorsal scapular nerve: This nerve supplies the rhomboid muscles, which help to retract and rotate the shoulder blade. Damage to this nerve can cause weakness and pain in the shoulder and difficulty with moving the shoulder blade.
Causes of Nerve Damage in the Shoulder:
- Injury: A direct blow to the shoulder, a fall, or a car accident can damage nerves.
- Compression: Nerves can be compressed by tight muscles, tumors, or bone spurs.
- Surgery: Nerve damage can occur during shoulder surgery.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and arthritis can also damage nerves.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect you may have nerve damage in your shoulder, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
- Diagnosis: A doctor will perform a physical exam and may order tests such as an electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment: Treatment for nerve damage will depend on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your shoulder.
- Physical therapy: This can help to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and improve range of motion.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the nerve or to relieve pressure on the nerve.
It is important to note that nerve damage can be a serious condition that can have long-term effects. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment.
