The shoulder is an intricately formed joint composed of a ball and socket, muscles, ligaments and tendons that is particularly prone to suffering diseases caused by aging and injury. If you overexert or overuse a shoulder joint by lifting improperly, carrying heavy objects or engaging in repetitive activities involving shoulder movement, you could experience the pain and stiffness produced by strained, sprained and/or torn soft tissues.
Numbness and tingling of the shoulder may indicate another type of injury involving irritated or compressed nerves. For example, misalignment of the spinal vertebrae (vertebral subluxation) can cause bony vertebrae to move out of their normal positions and compress nerves that extend out of the spine and into the shoulders. When shoulder numbness and tingling (which is often accompanied by radiating pain) does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, cold/hot compresses and rest, consider making an appointment at Geaux Chiropractic for a complete evaluation of your symptoms.
5 Common Causes of Shoulder Numbness and Tingling
1. Brachial Plexus Injury
A complicated nerve network that transmits electrochemical signals from your spinal cord to your upper back, shoulders and arms, the brachial plexus is prone to injury when you move your shoulders forcefully in a contradictory manner. When brachial plexus nerves are damaged, you may experience numbness, tingling, reduced muscle strength, lack of muscle control and arm weakness. Some people with a brachial plexus injury report feelings similar to a burning sensation or electric shock radiating down the arm connected to the affected shoulder.
2. Pinched Nerve
In addition to nerve compression caused by vertebral subluxations, shoulder tingling and numbness could be attributed to rotator cuff tendonitis. Other signs of rotator cuff tendonitis include pain when reaching behind your back and weakness in the shoulder. Muscle twitching and difficulty raising your arms without pain is another symptom of a pinched shoulder nerve.
3. Dislocated Shoulder
Your shoulder could become dislocated if the humerus (upper arm bone) is displaced from your shoulder blade socket. Shoulder dislocations, as well as most other joint dislocations, are caused by abrupt, powerfully destabilizing movements, such as pulling or yanking on heavy objects or being struck forcefully in or around the shoulder joint. Symptoms of a possible dislocated shoulder include numbness or tingling (due to nerve inflammation and compression), extreme swelling, pain and joint stiffness. If nerve disruption is severe, shoulder muscles may develop spasms that worsen numbness, tingling and burning sensations.
4. Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical term for inflammation and compression of nerve roots extending into your cervical (neck) vertebrae. In addition to causing numbness and tingling, weakness and pain in your shoulders, upper back and arms, cervical radiculopathy could interfere with completing tasks that require strength and coordination. Degenerative bone disorders, arthritis or herniated discs often produce symptoms of cervical radiculopathy.
5.Shoulder Bursitis
When fluid-filled bursa "sacs" meant to streamline shoulder joint movement become inflamed, you may feel intense pain upon raising your arms above your shoulders, numbness and tingling, stiffness and worsening tenderness of the affected shoulder. Shoulder bursitis is usually caused by injury, repetitive motions, rheumatoid arthritis or rotator cuff tears. The type of treatment provided by Geaux Chiro depends on the underlying cause of your shoulder bursitis. If you suffer from symptoms of shoulder bursitis, call to schedule an immediate appointment.
Treatment for Shoulder Numbness and Tingling
Chiropractic Care
Geaux Chiro offers an effective variety of chiropractic techniques to relieve shoulder nerve compression and soft tissue inflammation. Spinal adjustments restore optimal alignment to your spine so that nerves are no longer compressed by out-of position vertebrae. Adjustments complemented with massage therapy further expedites relief from pain, numbness and tingling. Our chiropractor helps shoulder joints heal naturally by promoting release of extra white blood cells and other restorative chemicals produced by your body that will improve flexibility, removing pressure of nerves and expediting recovery.
Don't let shoulder numbness and tingling, pain and stiffness reduce your quality of life. We treat shoulder disorders and injuries without drugs or surgery using the latest chiropractic techniques and modalities. Call to schedule an appointment at Geaux Chiro today.
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