If you’ve ever experienced a sharp, shooting pain in your shoulder, accompanied by a deep ache in your neck, you might be dealing with a trapped nerve. This condition can be frustrating, making simple movements painful and even affecting your sleep. But what exactly is a trapped nerve, why does it cause so much discomfort, and most importantly how can physiotherapy help? Let’s break it down in an easy to understand way.
What is a Trapped Nerve in the Shoulder?
A trapped nerve, also known as a compressed or pinched nerve, happens when a nerve in the neck or shoulder gets squeezed by surrounding structures like bones, muscles, or swollen tissues. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and even weakness in the affected area.
The nerves in your neck (cervical spine) branch out into your shoulders, arms, and hands. If one of these nerves gets compressed, you might feel pain that radiates from your neck down into your shoulder, arm, and even your fingers. This is commonly known as cervical radiculopathy.
Common Causes of a Trapped Nerve in the Shoulder
Several factors can lead to nerve compression in the shoulder or neck, including:
- Poor Posture – Slouching, looking down at your phone for long periods, or working at a poorly set-up desk can put pressure on your neck and shoulders.
- Herniated Disc – When one of the discs in your spine bulges out or ruptures, it can press on a nerve and cause pain.
- Muscle Tightness – Overworked or tense muscles in the neck and shoulders can squeeze nearby nerves.
- Bone Spurs – Small bony growths that develop due to arthritis or aging can narrow the space where nerves pass through.
- Injuries – Sudden trauma, such as whiplash or a shoulder strain, can inflame tissues and compress nerves.
- Sleeping Position – Sleeping in an awkward position, such as with your arm under your head, can pinch a nerve and cause morning stiffness and pain.
Why is My Neck Hurting So Much?
Your neck is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves, and ligaments, all working together to support your head and allow movement. When something goes wrong like a pinched nerve it can trigger a chain reaction of discomfort.
Neck Pain and Trapped Nerves: What’s the Connection?
- Referred Pain – A pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain to radiate down into your shoulder and arm.
- Muscle Spasms – Your body may respond to nerve compression by tightening the muscles around it, making the pain worse.
- Inflammation – A trapped nerve can cause swelling, which leads to even more pressure and irritation.
- Limited Movement – Stiffness in the neck and shoulders makes everyday activities like turning your head or lifting your arms uncomfortable.
If your neck pain has been ongoing for weeks, is getting worse, or is accompanied by numbness or weakness in your arm, it’s important to seek professional help.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent future flare ups. A physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, identify the cause of your trapped nerve, and create a personalised treatment plan to help you recover.
Physio Treatments for a Trapped Nerve in the Shoulder
Here’s how physiotherapy can help relieve your pain and get you moving again:
1. Manual Therapy and Mobilization
- A physiotherapist may use gentle joint mobilizations to free up movement in the neck and shoulders.
- Soft tissue massage helps relax tight muscles and reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Trigger point therapy can relieve tension in knotted muscles that might be irritating the nerve.
2. Targeted Exercises and Stretches
- Neck and Shoulder Stretches – Gentle stretches help relieve tension and improve flexibility.
- Strengthening Exercises – Strengthening the muscles around the neck and shoulders can provide better support and reduce nerve compression.
- Postural Correction Exercises – Simple adjustments to your posture can make a big difference in preventing future issues.
3. Nerve Gliding Exercises
Nerve gliding (or nerve flossing) exercises help release trapped nerves by improving their movement within surrounding tissues. These exercises are gentle and designed to reduce irritation and pain over time.
4. Electrotherapy and Dry Needling
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – Uses mild electrical pulses to reduce pain and promote healing.
- Dry Needling – Helps release muscle tension and improve blood flow, which can alleviate nerve compression.
5. Postural and Ergonomic Advice
- A physiotherapist can help you make small adjustments to your workstation, sleeping position, and daily habits to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Learning better posture techniques can help prevent further nerve irritation.
When to See a Physiotherapist?
If you have been experiencing persistent neck or shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, it’s a sign that your nerve compression needs attention. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances of full recovery.
Signs You Should See a Physio:
Pain lasting more than a few weeks
Numbness or tingling in your shoulder, arm, or fingers
Weakness in the affected area
Worsening pain despite rest or home treatments
Difficulty moving your neck or shoulder
How RED Physiotherapy Can Help You
At RED Physiotherapy, we understand how frustrating and painful a trapped nerve can be. Our team of experienced physiotherapists can assess your condition, provide effective treatment, and guide you through a tailored rehabilitation plan to get you feeling better.
We use a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and postural training to relieve your pain and help you regain full movement. Whether your nerve pain is due to poor posture, an injury, or an underlying condition, we’re here to help you recover and prevent future flare ups.
Get Relief Today!
If you’re struggling with a trapped nerve in your shoulder or severe neck pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book an appointment with RED Physiotherapy today and take the first step toward pain free movement!
To book your appointment, call on the number below-
📞 Call 01604 385343 (Northampton) or 01908 713973 (Milton Keynes) or Book Online today!