What does numbness in the right shoulder indicate?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Numbness in the right shoulder may be a sign of cervical spondylosis, shoulder trauma, or brachial plexus nerve injury. Cervical spondylosis can cause radiating pain affecting the neck, shoulder, upper arm, and forearm. Local muscle, ligament, and soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma may lead to symptoms such as shoulder pain and numbness. Brachial plexus nerve strain during physical activity can also result in shoulder numbness.
Generally, numbness in the right shoulder may be a sign of cervical spondylosis, shoulder trauma, brachial plexus nerve injury, and other conditions.
1. Cervical Spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the cervical spine may compress nerve roots, leading to radiating pain and numbness in one upper limb. The area of radiating pain often involves the neck, shoulder, upper arm, and forearm. Symptoms can be relieved by improving posture, increasing daily exercise, physical therapy, and taking medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets and vitamin B12 tablets as prescribed by a doctor.
2. Shoulder Trauma: Local soft tissue injuries, including muscles and ligaments, caused by trauma may lead to tissue edema, which can compress nerves and result in symptoms such as shoulder pain and numbness. Prompt medical attention is necessary. As directed by a physician, topical application of medications such as mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream may help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and alleviate shoulder numbness.
3. Brachial Plexus Injury: Complete or partial damage to the brachial plexus nerves due to various causes, or overstretching of these nerves during physical activity, may cause shoulder numbness. In severe cases, weakness in the upper limb may also occur. It is recommended to seek timely medical treatment.
