Frozen shoulder is a common condition that typically affects one shoulder at a time, causing stiffness, pain, and difficulty with normal range of motion. It is unclear what causes frozen shoulder, but experts believe that it is a combination of several factors. One possible cause is an injury to the rotator cuff muscles or to the nerves that supply movement and sensation to the shoulder.
What Nerve Causes Frozen Shoulder?
The nerves that are most commonly associated with frozen shoulder are the suprascapular and axillary nerves. The suprascapular nerve provides sensation to the shoulder joint as well as motor control to the rotator cuff muscles. The axillary nerve is responsible for controlling the deltoid muscles, which help to stabilize the shoulder joint.
Suprascapular Nerve
The suprascapular nerve is located in the shoulder region, extending from the neck and down the shoulder blade. It is a sensory nerve, meaning that it is responsible for providing feeling and sensation to the shoulder joint. It also provides motor control to the rotator cuff muscles, which help to stabilize the shoulder joint. Damage to this nerve can lead to decreased sensation and strength in the shoulder joint, leading to frozen shoulder.
Axillary Nerve
The axillary nerve is located in the shoulder and provides motor control to the deltoid muscle. This muscle helps to stabilize the shoulder joint, and damage to this nerve can lead to decreased strength in the shoulder joint, resulting in frozen shoulder.
Conclusion
The suprascapular and axillary nerves are the two most commonly associated with frozen shoulder. Damage to these nerves can lead to decreased sensation and strength in the shoulder joint, resulting in frozen shoulder. It is important to seek medical attention and diagnosis if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of frozen shoulder.