Duration of complaints

The discomfort caused by a trapped nerve in the shoulder often sets in abruptly after an unfavorable movement or after getting up. How long the complaints last varies from person to person and depends on how you behave. Those who move as much as possible naturally – if necessary with short-term use of painkillers – will be free of complaints faster than those who move less and try to spare the shoulder. If the duration of the complaints exceeds one week and there is no sign of improvement, you should consult your family doctor if necessary.

These symptoms indicate a pinched nerve at the rib

Between the ribs, a nerve runs from the spinal cord along the entire chest wall to the front of the sternum on both the right and left sides of the body. Each of these nerves transmits signals such as touch or pain to the brain from the corresponding belt-shaped areas of the body. A wrong movement or a muscular blockage can cause one of the nerves to become trapped at the rib.

This can be recognized by the fact that there is stabbing, usually shooting pain in the area that is supplied by the respective nerve. Typically, the pain is triggered especially by rotational movements in the upper body. Usually only the left or right side of the body is affected.

It is also typical for a trapped nerve at the shoulder as a trigger for the above-mentioned complaints that no symptoms other than those mentioned occur. However, if there is also fever, a general feeling of illness or shortness of breath, it can also be a serious clinical picture that should be treated if necessary. If this is the case, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. Symptoms that clearly indicate a pinched nerve at the rib, on the other hand, do not necessarily have to be clarified by a doctor. By taking as much exercise as possible and, if necessary, painkillers for a few days, the symptoms usually go away by themselves soon.