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Chronic Axillary Nerve Pain

Chronic axillary nerve pain, also referred to as axillary nerve dysfunction, is damage to the axillary nerve that limits movement and sensation in the shoulder. The axillary nerve activates the deltoid muscles in the shoulder. Injury or pressure on the nerve can cause chronic symptoms.

  1. Causes

    • Causes of chronic axillary nerve pain and dysfunction may include dislocation of the shoulder, bone fracture, improper use of crutches and pressure from splints or casts. Other causes may be nerve disorders that affect the entire body and direct injury to the shoulder.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of axillary nerve dysfunction include pain and weakness in the shoulder, numbness on part of the outer shoulder, difficulty lifting objects and trouble lifting your arm over your head. After several weeks, the muscle over the shoulder will become smaller from muscle atrophy.

    Diagnosis

    • Your physician will inspect your arm and shoulder and may see signs of muscle atrophy in the shoulder. An EMG, or electromyography, may be performed to test electrical impulses in the shoulder muscles, and an MRI may show nerve damage.

    Treatment

    • Some people with axillary nerve dysfunction may be able to improve on their own without treatment, but it can take weeks or months for the nerve to heal. Anti-inflammatories such as Advil or aspirin may reduce inflammation around the nerve. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol can ease discomfort. For intense pain your physician may prescribe stronger pain relievers for short-term treatment, as these medications can create dependence.
      Physical therapy exercises may be performed and help increase range of motion and strengthen shoulder muscles.
      Surgery may be recommended if pain worsens. The surgery can reveal a trapped nerve and by releasing it, pain and weakness should be alleviated.

    Considerations

    • Avoid putting any kind of pressure on the underarm, such as from a splint or cast. Make sure they are fitted properly and not pinching or stretching the underarm. When using crutches try not to put pressure on the underarm.
      Complications that may occur when treatment is not provided include complete or partial shoulder paralysis, recurrent injury to the arm and deformity in the arm or shoulder. Consult your doctor whenever you feel noticeable pain, weakness or numbness in your shoulder or arm.

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