Suprascapular Neuropathy

What is Suprascapular Neuropathy?

Suprascapular Neuropathy is usually caused by damage to the Suprascapular nerve. This nerve originates at the top iof the spine, and runs under the trapezius to the scapula (shoulder blade) where it serves the Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus muscles. Damage to this nerve is commonly caused during overhead activities such as tennis, volleyball, and cricket, and is caused by traction, compression, or direct trauma. The scapula moving incorrectly can also damage the nerve, as well as cysts from tears of the glenoid labrum.

Symptoms

• Aching/burning at the rear and/or side of the shoulder
• Pain deep within the shoulder joint
• Pain radiating through the arm
• Gradual onset pain
• Weakness of the shoulder to the side and turning outwards
• Wasting supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Suprascapular Neuropathy and other causes of shoulder pain.