What Causes Burning and Tingling in Shoulders?

Have you reached to get a book off the shelf and suddenly felt a strange pain in your shoulder? As soon as you notice this sign, don’t ignore it. After all, this can state urgent diagnosis and the appearance of various diseases. Usually, tingling in the shoulders can be caused by a variety of factors. It includes:

• impingement syndrome
• nerve compression or injury;
• muscle strain;
• arthritis;
• directed pain from a problem in another area of the body. 

Tingling in the shoulders can also be a symptom of more severe conditions. For instance, it can be a heart attack or stroke. Usually, it has a feeling like a pins-and-needles sensation. Very often, it can be a sign that something is affecting the nerves or blood vessels in the area. It is crucial to see a doctor if you experience severe or persistent numbness in the shoulder. Because it could state a more serious underlying condition. So, doctors prescribe appropriate treatment based on shoulder pain and numbness.

Type of Shoulder Pain and Numbness

Numbness in shoulders varies depending on location, duration, and associated symptoms. Here are some of the most common types:

• Acute pain and numbness

This type of pain and numbness is often accompanied by swelling and tingling in the shoulder. They are sudden and severe. They typically occur as a result of injury or trauma.

• Chronic pain and numbness

This type of pain and numbness can be a reason for arthritis or repetitive strain injuries. It is persistent and long-lasting. It lasts for weeks, months, or even years.
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• Radiating pain and numbness

It occurs when pain or numbness spreads from the shoulder to other body parts, such as the arm or neck. This type of pain and numbness is often a reason for nerve compression or pinched nerves.

• Tingling pain and numbness

It manifests by a pins-and-needles sensation and shoulder blade tingling. Pinched nerves or conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can cause it.

• Aching pain, and numbness

It is a persistent pain. Rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, or bursitis can cause it.

• Burning pain and numbness

It manifests by a sensation of heat or burning in the affected area. This type of pain can be the result of nerve damage or inflammation.

If you notice any manifestations of these types of pain, you should consult a neurologist. Only this doctor can find the reasons for this and prescribe your treatment. Cures can include rest, physical therapy, medications, or surgery. It depends on the underlying cause of the shoulder pain and numbness.

What Causes Tingling or Burning Shoulder Pain?

Nerve damage or compression can cause burning in the shoulders. Conditions such as pinched nerves, herniated discs, or nerve damage due to diabetes or other medical conditions can cause this symptom. Besides, tingling in the shoulder can be a symptom of more serious medical conditions. It includes a heart attack, lung problems, or cancer.

Pain in the shoulder states a disease of the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. It is also a diagnostic component of other conditions. The most common cause of pain is damage to the inner cuff of the shoulder joint. 

Besides, injury of the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles can cause burning discomfort. It can be due to lifting heavy objects, playing sports, or repetitive movements. Inflammation in the shoulder joint or tendons can also cause shoulder blade tingling.

Other potential reasons for burning shoulder pain include: 

• poor posture, 
• stress,
• anxiety. 

And these are far from all the reasons. Besides them, there are many others. Therefore, read about them in detail to warn yourself against their progression:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS primarily affects the hand and wrist. But it can also cause symptoms in other body parts, including the shoulder. It occurs because the median nerve travels through the arm and into the shoulder:

• There, it gives off branches to various muscles and skin. 
• When the median nerve has compression, it can lead to the dysfunction of these branches. Exactly this causes tingling in the shoulder.

However, such symptoms can be a reason for various other factors. And to determine whether it is carpal tunnel syndrome, consult a neurologist.

2. Fibromyalgia

It can cause shoulder pain by activating trigger points in the shoulder and neck muscles. Trigger points are tender muscle areas that can cause numbness when pressed:

• Fibromyalgia can cause widespread trigger points throughout the body, causing numbness in the shoulder. 
• It can also cause nerve pain and neuropathy, leading to numbness in the shoulders and arms. 
• Besides, weakness and fatigue in the shoulder muscles can cause strain and tension.

3. Brachial Plexopathy

It is a neurological disease. It has the presence of an inflammatory process in the brachial nerve. This condition can cause shoulder pain and numbness in the affected arm. Causes of shoulder brachial plexopathy include:

• displacement of the vertebrae in the cervical and upper thoracic regions of the spine;
• irritation of the roots that form the cervical and brachial plexus;
• protrusion or intervertebral hernia of the discs of the cervical spine;
• osteochondrosis of the spine and its complications;
• arthrosis of the shoulder joint;
• shoulder joint injuries with clavicle fractures.

Symptoms of brachial plexus lean on the cause that provokes it. Sometimes the disease has an indolent course with periodic worsening of symptoms. So, burning in the shoulders depends on the degree of damage and the stage of the disease.

4. Pinched nerve

In the case of a pinched nerve in the shoulder, the affected nerve is likely one of the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and travel through the shoulder area. These nerves control movement and sensation in the shoulder and hand. When the nerve is pinched, it can cause numbness in shoulder and down the arm:

• Pinched nerves can occur for various reasons. It includes repetitive motions, poor posture, or injury. 
• Treatment for a pinched nerve includes rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery. It depends on the severity of the condition. The symptoms can worsen if you do not consult a neurologist in time.

5. Herniated disc

The discs are cushion-like structures that separate the vertebrae in the spine. When a disc becomes herniated, the inner part of the disc protrudes through the outer layer. It can put pressure on the nearby nerves:

• If a herniated disc affects the nerves that control sensation and movement in the shoulder, it can cause shoulder pain and numbness down the arm. 
• You can feel it on one side of the body or both sides. It depends on the location of the herniated disc. 
• Other herniated disc symptoms include back pain and difficulty with fine motor skills. 
• Treatment for a herniated disc includes rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

6. Rotator cuff injuries

It can occur from trying to catch a heavy falling object. Or when you try to lift a weighty object with an outstretched arm. Also, it can happen from falling directly on the shoulder with the arm removed: 

• Sometimes such injuries are severe, but sometimes not. 
• In most cases, it causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder and arm.
• Besides tingling, it can cause other symptoms. It includes pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

7. Arthritis

With arthritis of the shoulder joint, you lose the smooth cartilage. It covers the joint cavity. As a result, bone-on-bone friction occurs between these two articular surfaces. This contact causes shoulder blade tingling, difficulty sleeping, and inability to perform daily activities. Shoulder arthritis can occur as a result of:

• bone wear;
• osteoarthritis;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• ruptures of the rotator cuff of the shoulder;
• after surgery for recurrent dislocations.

Few people know, but a common symptom of arthritis is burning in shoulders. It is aggravated by activity and progressively worsens. When the shoulder joint is affected, the pain occurs in the back of the shoulder and can increase. So, as soon as you notice such symptoms, immediately contact specialists.

When Should I Worry About Tingling in My Shoulders?

In general, if you experience numbness in your shoulder that is mild and intermittent, it is probably not a cause for concern. But if you experience any of the following symptoms besides shoulder tingling, seek medical attention:

• Numbness or weakness in your arm or hand.
• Difficulty moving your arm or shoulder.
• Swelling or redness in your shoulder.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Pain that is severe or persistent.
• Tingling or numbness that spreads to other parts of your body.
• Pain that radiates down your arm from the shoulder.

These symptoms could be a sign of a more severe condition. It includes a pinched nerve or a spinal cord injury. So, if you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. A neurologist can examine shoulder blade tingling. They will protect you from the progression of symptoms. Besides, neurologists will additionally prescribe the proper treatment for you.

A Word From Lone Star Neurologists

Numbness in the shoulder can appear due to various reasons. So, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms. Because some conditions can be severe and require prompt treatment, it is best to contact Lone Star Neurologists in this case. They will check your disease, doing nerve conduction tests. Thanks to this, we will help you avoid painful shoulder sensations.

FAQ

• Does tingling mean nerve damage?

Such a symptom does not always mean that you have severe nerve damage. But its frequent manifestations can signal the beginning of such a problem.

• Can stress cause tingling in the shoulder?

Yes. Feeling stressed often causes your muscles to feel tense. When they are under pressure and tension, it causes tingling in the shoulders. Over time, it starts to appear in other parts of the body.

• Can a pinched nerve cause tingling in the shoulder?

Of course. A pinched nerve is the first thing that causes tingling and numbness in the shoulders. After all, muscles can not function normally when they have a clip.

• How do you know if your tingling is serious?

If your tingling turns into numbness and excruciating pain, it’s severe. In this case, you need to go to the doctor immediately to specify the problem.