Shoulder numbness can be caused by medical conditions such as neuropathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff tears, pinched nerves, multiple sclerosis, and poor circulation. Overexertion or repetitive motion injury can also cause numbness, often accompanied by swelling and pain. Shoulder tendonitis is a common cause of shoulder pain, tingling, or numbness, and can be treated with rest, ice, and shoulder exercises. Rotator cuff tears can cause severe pain and immobility, and surgery may be needed to repair them. Multiple sclerosis and nutritional deficiencies can also cause shoulder numbness.
Some of the more common causes of shoulder numbness are medical conditions such as neuropathy or diabetic neuropathy. A condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome can also produce numbness in this area, along with other symptoms such as tingling in the fingers. Rotator cuff tears, as well as pinched nerves, are other common causes of numbness, as is multiple sclerosis. Poor circulation in the shoulder area can also cause numbness.
When an individual experiences numbness in the shoulder, it may be associated with overexertion or repetitive motion injury. This is often a possibility, although other symptoms may accompany this type of injury, such as swelling and pain. A common cause of shoulder pain, tingling, or numbness is shoulder tendonitis. Often this is caused by stress from repetitive motion.
Shoulder tendonitis occurs when the tendons stretch and become inflamed, usually from overuse. Many individuals employed in occupations that require overhead lifting or arm extension repeatedly suffer from shoulder tendonitis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, soreness, tingling, and numbness in the area. Doctors may recommend rest, ice, and shoulder exercises as part of a treatment program to treat this condition.
A rotator cuff tear is another common cause of shoulder numbness. The rotator cuff is located in the upper arm or directly at the top of the shoulder. It is made up of several muscles and tendons, which attach to bone. The rotator cuff can tear from repetitive motion injuries or acute shoulder injuries.
Severe pain and immobility are typically the most common symptoms of this type of injury, although numbness also often occurs. If the rotator cuff tear is significant enough, surgery may be needed to repair it. Arthroscopic surgery, typically done using a device known as an arthroscope, may be an option.
A central nervous system disease known as multiple sclerosis can cause muscle weakness and paraesthesia. This can produce partial numbness in the shoulder and other areas of the body. In severe cases, complete numbness in the shoulders and neck can occur.
For some individuals with nutritional deficiencies, poor blood circulation can occur. This can result in numbness affecting various areas of the body, including the limbs and shoulder area. If left untreated, circulation problems can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. This is why unexplained numbness in the shoulder should be diagnosed by a doctor.
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