Treatment

When treating a trapped nerve in the shoulder or shoulder blade, the focus is on as much movement as possible. Under no circumstances should one adopt a relieving posture or even bed rest. This only increases the risk of the causative muscle cramps becoming more severe and the symptoms even worse or more persistent.

If a nerve is pinched at the shoulder, the danger of a vicious circle is obvious. The pain prevents natural movement and forces the patient to adopt a relieving posture, which in turn increases the pain. In order to break this vicious circle, one should not hesitate to take pain-relieving medication if necessary.

If these are taken according to the instructions and only for a limited period of time, they very rarely lead to side effects. Patients with chronic underlying diseases of the stomach, kidneys or liver should have their doctor prescribe a suitable preparation for them if necessary. Therapy with the pain reliever allows a natural range of motion and the symptoms caused by a pinched nerve can be relieved.

Additional helpful measures for treatment can be heat applications with a red light lamp or a walk in the sauna. Massages and osteopathic treatments are also found to be soothing by many patients. However, such passive measures should never be used as the only therapy for a pinched nerve in the shoulder.

The decisive factor is always to exercise as naturally and regularly as possible.In principle, all natural forms of movement are suitable for treating a trapped nerve in the shoulder or shoulder blade, as long as no overloading occurs. Nordic Walking or swimming, for example, are well suited. In addition, there are a number of possible exercises that are particularly suitable for preventing the recurrence of the complaints by strengthening the back muscles.

At home, the use of Thera-bands is one of the best options. These are elastic bands that can be used in many different ways and serve to train a wide variety of muscle groups. For example, if you suffer from a pinched nerve in the shoulder, you can stand or kneel on the band in the middle and wrap the free ends around your hands.
Now you lead the stretched arms sideways upwards until they are at shoulder level and then lower them again. The exercises should be performed slowly and in a controlled manner and repeated 15 to 20 times. You should not work against the pain.

If necessary, another exercise should be chosen.
Anyone who suffers from frequent pain due to pinched nerves in the shoulder should also participate in a professionally managed training program such as a back school. Such courses are offered in fitness studios, for example, and in most cases the costs are largely covered by health insurance companies.

In the case of complaints such as a pinched nerve in the shoulder, the family doctor is often the first point of contact. This is a common complaint in a general practice and a general practitioner can help most patients.

In addition, the general practitioner can determine through a physical examination whether a referral to an orthopedic surgeon or further diagnostics, for example by means of an X-ray, is appropriate. In the case of pronounced complaints, it may be advisable to consult a doctor who has further training in chiropractic or manual therapy. However, in order to achieve long-term relief of the symptoms caused by a pinched nerve in the shoulder or to prevent recurrence, active measures such as regular exercise and strengthening of the back muscles are particularly helpful.