Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Suprascapular nerve entrapment occurs when the suprascapular nerve is compressed or irritated. The suprascapular nerve originates in the cervical spine and travels through the shoulder joint to innervate the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. These muscles are responsible for raising the arm and externally rotating the shoulder.

Causes:

- Repetitive overhead arm movements

- Tight muscles or ligaments

- Bone spurs

- Nerve damage

- Tumors

Symptoms:

- Shoulder pain

- Arm pain

- Weakness in the shoulder muscles

- Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm

- Difficulty raising the arm or rotating the shoulder

Diagnosis:

- Physical examination

- Medical history

- Imaging tests (X-ray, MRI)

- Nerve conduction study

Treatment:

- Rest

- Ice

- Physical therapy

- Anti-inflammatory medications

- Corticosteroids

- Surgery (rarely)

Prognosis: The prognosis for suprascapular nerve entrapment is usually good. Most people recover with conservative treatment.