Persistent Numbness in Left Shoulder Blade After Lifting Heavy Objects

Q: Persistent Numbness in Left Shoulder Blade After Lifting Heavy Objects

Hello, Sir： You mentioned that "hunchback posture can easily lead to numbness in the left scapula." This symptom may indicate compression of the nerve roots at thoracic vertebrae 4-5, or injury to the brachial plexus nerves. <br>Cervical nerve injuries require laboratory diagnost

Numbness in the left scapula?

Hello, Doctor.
Last week, after lifting a heavy object with my left hand, I experienced muscle soreness the next day, accompanied by numbness.
However, the numbness disappears when I stretch or change positions.
As of today, the soreness has subsided, but the numbness persists.
I can easily feel numbness around my left scapula when I slouch.
What should I do, Doctor?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/27

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Sir: You mentioned that "hunchback posture can easily lead to numbness in the left scapula." This symptom may indicate compression of the nerve roots at thoracic vertebrae 4-5, or injury to the brachial plexus nerves.
Cervical nerve injuries require laboratory diagnostic assistance to determine the location and severity of the nerve damage, which will help assess prognosis and guide treatment decisions.
The tools that can definitively diagnose nerve injury include nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG).
In particular, EMG can utilize needle electrodes to assess whether there is nerve damage in the relevant areas.
I recommend consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician to discuss examination and treatment options.
It may also be beneficial to seek a peripheral nerve specialist, as they have more experience with EMG diagnostics.
Additionally, consider supplementing with B vitamins and remind yourself to stand up and stretch every half hour to avoid nerve compression and muscle tightness that could exacerbate your symptoms.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2021/12/27

More Info

Persistent numbness in the left shoulder blade after lifting heavy objects can be concerning, especially if it follows a specific incident like lifting. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced muscle soreness and numbness after a physical strain, which is not uncommon. However, the fact that the numbness persists even after the soreness has subsided warrants further evaluation.

The symptoms you describe may indicate a few potential issues. First, it’s possible that you have experienced a muscle strain or overuse injury, which can lead to temporary nerve irritation or compression. When lifting heavy objects, especially with improper form, the muscles and surrounding structures can become strained, leading to inflammation. This inflammation can sometimes compress nearby nerves, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations.

Another possibility is that you may have developed a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome, where the nerves or blood vessels between your collarbone and first rib are compressed. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the shoulder and arm, particularly after activities that involve lifting or overhead movements.

Additionally, poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over, can exacerbate nerve compression in the neck and upper back, leading to numbness in the shoulder blade area. If you notice that the numbness increases when you hunch your back, it could suggest that your posture is contributing to the issue.

Here are some steps you can take to address the persistent numbness:
1. Rest and Recovery: Allow your body some time to heal. Avoid heavy lifting or activities that exacerbate the numbness.

2. Posture Correction: Pay attention to your posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods. Ensure that your workstation is ergonomically set up to promote good posture.

3. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle stretching exercises for your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Strengthening exercises for the shoulder girdle can also help stabilize the area and reduce the risk of future injuries.

4. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help relax tight muscles, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation if there is any swelling.

5. Physical Therapy: If the numbness persists, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can provide a tailored rehabilitation program that includes specific exercises to improve strength and flexibility, as well as manual therapy techniques to relieve nerve compression.

6. Medical Evaluation: If symptoms do not improve with conservative measures, or if you experience additional symptoms such as weakness, severe pain, or changes in sensation, it is important to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare provider may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or X-ray, to assess for any underlying issues like herniated discs or other structural problems.

In summary, while the numbness you are experiencing may be related to the recent lifting incident, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If the numbness persists or worsens, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is recommended to rule out any serious underlying conditions and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

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