We’ve all woken up to that horrifying, instant shooting pain, radiating burn and stiffness as we’ve tried to turn our head. 

Ouch!

It’s a pain in the neck and gets on your nerves! 

Most of us are familiar with those expressions and remarkably, many true words are said in jest.

Yet when you’re experiencing pain in your neck and shoulders from trapped nerves; it’s definitely no fun and extremely irritating.

You want relief and you want it fast. But how, when and where can you get the information and treatment you need?

We will talk about what nerves are, what happens when they are trapped or pinched. We will also provide the causes and symptoms of neck and shoulder pain, and what the available treatments are to ease your discomfort. 

At CK Physio, we want to equip you with practical suggestions, facts and recommendations to ease your ailments. Also, we will share knowledge on how and where you can go to receive further advice and physiotherapy treatment on neck pain. 

What are nerves? 

As we know, nerves are throughout our entire body. But firstly, let’s clarify what a nerve actually is.

Medical definition of a nerve: A bundle of fibres that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit sensory and motor information from one body part to another. The fibrous portions of a nerve are covered by a sheath called myelin and/or a membrane called neurilemma.

(Definition of Nerve (medicinenet.com)

Ok, so that’s a bit of a mouthful! But we understand that nerves are a connection that carries information to and from the brain. Pairing our sensory and motor functions to make sense of our wonderful world.

From the top of our head to the tip of our toes, our nerves and nerve cells carry continual messages from the brain, spinal cord, limbs and organs. 

Fun Fact: The fastest nerve pulse recorded travelled at 180mph (288km/h) 

(Fastest nerve impulse | Guinness World Records)

We have 43 nerve pairs in our body. 12 pairs are cranial nerves and 31 pairs are spinal nerves. These are broken down into cervical (8), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (5) and coccygeal (1).

What is a trapped or pinched nerve? 

We’ve all used this term to explain an ongoing pain within our neck or shoulder. But what actually happens when a nerve is trapped or pinched?

A trapped nerve is compressed via pressure. This can happen at any point in the body. This occurs especially when the nerve travels through narrow spaces with a minimal amount of soft tissue to protect them. 

It often occurs when nerves become compressed between:

• Ligament

• Tendon

• Bone 

• Cartilage

Trapped nerves in the neck and shoulder are extremely painful and should not be left untreated. They are mainly associated with (but not limited to) the 8 cervical nerve pairs we mentioned earlier. 

Now we know what trapped nerves are, let’s find out what causes it. 

What causes a trapped nerve in the neck or shoulder? 

Inflammation or pressure on root nerves may cause neck pain that can radiate into your shoulder and arm.

Poor posture 

When you are maintaining poor positioning whilst seated or standing. 

Overexertion 

This includes lifting heavy objects or overstretching muscles and nerves.

Repetitive motion 

Tasks that require strenuous and repetitive motions. 

Inactivity 

Not moving or holding a position for a long time (usually in sleep).

Injury 

Any experienced trauma that may cause disc herniation/prolapse (slipped disc).

If left untreated, nerve compression can cause the protective barrier surrounding the nerve to break down. A build-up of fluid will begin causing further:

• Swelling 

• Pressure 

• Scarring 

This may result in the nerve function being severely damaged. But how will you know if you have a trapped nerve? 

What are the symptoms of trapped nerves in the neck or shoulder? 

Like with most ailments, symptoms of a trapped nerve in the neck or shoulder can vary with each individual. Yet the first thing you will definitely notice is the pain.

That pain will gradually increase over time if left, and you may experience other symptoms. 

Pain 

Dull or radiating pain in your neck, arm and shoulder. 

Pins and needles 

This may feel worse when you stretch or turn your neck. 

Tingling 

This may be a warm sensation or an electric pulse.

Numbness 

You may lose feeling or have weakness in your arm or shoulder.

Symptoms may worsen as you try to manoeuvre and this is why it’s important to seek the right treatment. But how do you treat a trapped nerve?

How can I treat the trapped nerves in my neck and shoulder? 

Treatment will vary due to the severity, cause and duration of compression to the nerve.  Seeking professional help from your GP or a Physiotherapist to determine the best course of action, will benefit you greatly. 

Physiotherapy 

Concentrated physiotherapy treatment on neck pain and affected areas.

Medication 

This may include an intake of non-steroidal drugs, oral corticosteroids, steroid injections and in severe cases narcotics can be prescribed. 

Heat/ice compress 

Teamed with gentle massage this can alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

Acupuncture 

This is an alternative therapy that can provide pain relief. 

Surgery 

The last alternative if all else has failed. 

There are many treatments for trapped nerves. But which one to choose? 

Can physiotherapy treatment on neck pain work to alleviate the pain of trapped nerves? 

In short, yes! 

Physiotherapy for trapped nerves is normally the non-surgical treatment of choice. It allows for personal in-depth sessions where tailored physio exercises for trapped nerves are given. These are repeated to enable pain reduction, repair and rehabilitation of the affected areas. 

CK Physio is here to help 

Neck and shoulder pain can be excruciating and you don’t have to just put up with it. So if you’re in pain, we’re here to help.

CK Physiotherapy is here to get you the treatment you need, now. Use our online booking form to have your initial virtual assessment and discuss any worries or concerns you may be having regarding your situation.

We look forward to hearing from you.