Shoulder Numbness: Causes, Treatments, and Symptoms

Do you ever experience shoulder numbness? If so, you're not alone. Shoulder numbness can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can be treated in a number of ways. In this blog post, we'll discuss the causes, treatments, and symptoms of shoulder numbness. We'll also provide tips for preventing shoulder numbness. So, if you're experiencing shoulder-numbing sensations, keep reading!

Shoulder Numbness is a type of peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is a general term used to describe damage to the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord (the peripheral nervous system).

Numbness comes down to the nervous system. It's an uncomfortable feeling of unreality like you're riding in a car with plastic windows and no door handle while everything around moves wildly out of control - it may be hard for some people who live on more stable ground (or have less sensitive nerves)to understand how nasty this would actually make one feel!

Some Causes of Shoulder Numbness:

1. Compression of the nerves in the shoulder from sitting in an awkward position or from wearing a backpack that is too heavy
2. A pinched nerve in the neck
3. Trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall
4. Pressure on the nerves from a tumor
5. Inflammation of the nerves from a viral infection, such as herpes zoster (shingles)
6. Autoimmune conditions, such as Lupus or Multiple Sclerosis, that damage the nerves
7. Diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the nerves throughout the body
8. Exposure to cold weather or chemicals
9. Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer or high blood pressure

Symptoms of Shoulder Numbness:

1. Numbness or tingling in the shoulder: This may feel like a " pins and needles" sensation.
2. Weakness in the shoulder: You may find it difficult to move your arm or lift objects.
3. Pain in the shoulder: The pain may be sharp, dull, or achy.
4. Burning sensation in the shoulder: This may feel like your shoulder is on fire.
5. Loss of sensation in the shoulder: You may feel like you can't feel anything in your shoulder.

These are just a few of the symptoms that you may experience if you have shoulder numbness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor so that they can determine the cause and provide proper treatment.

Treatments for Shoulder Numbness:

1. Rest: If your shoulder numbness is caused by a minor injury, such as a fall or a pinched nerve, rest is the best treatment. Take a break from activities that require the use of the arm, and try to keep the arm still.
2. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.
3. Heat: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax the muscles and ease the pain.
4. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues around the shoulder, which can help relieve numbness.
5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves or to remove a tumor.

Prevention of Shoulder Numbness:

1. Use good posture: When sitting or standing, maintain good posture. This means keeping your shoulders back and down, your head up, and your chin parallels to the ground.
2. Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing shoes that fit well and provide support can help prevent falls, which can lead to shoulder numbness.
3. Use proper lifting techniques: When lifting objects, use your legs, not your back, to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your shoulders.
4. Avoid carrying heavy bags: Carrying heavy bags, such as a backpack, can put pressure on the nerves on your shoulders. If you must carry a heavy bag, alternate between carrying it on one shoulder and then the other.
5. Take breaks: If you work at a computer or do another activity that requires you to use your arms for long periods of time, take breaks to avoid fatigue and strain on your shoulders.
6. Keep your shoulders warm: Exposure to cold weather can lead to shoulder numbness. To prevent this, dress in layers and keep your shoulders covered when you are outdoors in cold weather.

How does physiotherapy help in Shoulder Numbness?

If you are suffering from shoulder numbness, physiotherapy can help in the following ways:

1. Reducing pain and inflammation: Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and inflammation by using modalities such as heat, cold, or ultrasound.
2. Improving range of motion: Range of motion exercises can help stretch the muscles and tissues around the shoulder, improving mobility and reducing numbness.
3. Strengthening muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the shoulder can help support the joint and reduce pressure on the nerves, relieving numbness.
4. Improving circulation: Massage and other techniques can help improve circulation to the affected area, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Preventing falls: Physiotherapy can help improve balance and coordination, which can help prevent falls and further injury.

Shoulder numbness is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. If you experience shoulder numbness, it's important to see a doctor so that the cause can be determined and proper treatment can be provided. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve range of motion, and prevent falls.

In other words, we can say that physiotherapy is very good for shoulder numbness. It helps in reducing pain, and inflammation and also improves the range of motion. It is also helpful in preventing falls. So if you are suffering from shoulder numbness, you should consult a physiotherapist.

You Can also read about: Which therapy is best for shoulder pain?