Understanding Itching Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Is your shoulder itching, and you want to know why? This article covers the possible causes, symptoms, and treatments for an itching shoulder. Find out how to get relief from your symptoms.
What Causes an Itching Shoulder Blade?
Intense itching beneath the shoulder blade can be quite an irritating experience, commonly stemming from a range of factors. Nerve irritation is one significant cause, which may result from issues like herniated discs or nerves that are compressed in some way. Dry skin, fungal infections (like ringworm), allergic reactions, and dermatitis can also provoke itching. Chronic rubbing can result in skin damage, thickening, and pigmentation changes.
One particular condition known for causing enduring itch under the shoulder blade is notalgia paresthetica—a neurological disorder resulting in continual pruritic sensation, typically among adults beyond 50 years old, with women being more frequently afflicted than men.
Symptoms of Itching Shoulder
Intense itching is the primary symptom, often concentrated around the shoulder blades. This can disrupt daily routines and sleep. Other symptoms include:
- Abnormal sensations (tingling, burning, diminished perspiration)
- Skin discoloration or eczema from chronic rubbing
- Thickening or pigmentation changes in the skin
- Persistent scratching and rubbing, which can worsen the condition
Early detection and prompt medical intervention are important for controlling these uncomfortable manifestations effectively.
Common Skin Conditions Leading to Itchy Shoulders
Persistent itching affects over 20% of the population at various points in their lives, with notalgia paresthetica being a prominent culprit. This nerve condition induces relentless itchiness beneath the shoulder blade and is commonly attributed to irritation of nerves. It predominantly strikes adults over the age of 50, especially women.
Contributors include back injuries, type 2 diabetes, or slipped discs. Muscle activity in the upper back may amplify nerve irritation. Fungal infection can also be a cause and should be considered during diagnosis.
Diagnosis primarily entails a review of medical history and physical examination. Skin biopsies are usually normal unless dermatitis is present. While notalgia paresthetica can cause severe itching and skin changes, it is not life-threatening.
Diagnosing the Cause of Itchy Shoulders
To pinpoint the root cause, especially when suspecting notalgia paresthetica, it’s vital to assess for nerve irritation. This typically stems from nerves being partially compressed or damaged in the upper back.
Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, physical assessment, and sometimes imaging tests (X-rays, CT, MRI) to detect structural anomalies. Differential diagnoses are considered to rule out other conditions. For persistent symptoms, collaboration with a dermatologist may be necessary.
For example, your provider may ask about other symptoms, such as ankle pain symptoms and causes, to help identify underlying issues.
Treatment Options for Itching Shoulder
Relief options include physical therapy, medications, and interventions such as nerve blocks. Addressing notalgia paresthetica typically involves a comprehensive strategy to combat both the immediate symptoms and the root causes.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is crucial in mitigating discomfort, especially by strengthening upper back muscles. Exercises such as cross-armed forward bends and shoulder rotations can improve posture and reduce nerve irritation.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat itching shoulder.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with itching shoulder.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of itching shoulder, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Oral Medications & Topical Treatments
Oral medications and topical applications, such as capsaicin cream, can help manage notalgia paresthetica. Capsaicin cream numbs the nerves to alleviate itching, though it may have side effects. Some treatments may show results within a few weeks.
Additional Treatments
Applying ice packs can provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation. Low voltage electrical current therapy and nerve blocks are emerging options for persistent cases.
Preventing Itchy Shoulders
Proactive skin care and avoiding known triggers are key. Tips include:
- Trim nails short and keep them clean to prevent skin damage from scratching
- Wear breathable fabrics like cotton or silk
- Keep skin hydrated with fragrance-free moisturizers
- Avoid long hot showers; use cool or tepid water
- Protect skin from sun exposure with clothing and sunscreen
- Regularly perform upper body strengthening exercises to improve posture and reduce nerve irritation
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you experience itching while pregnant, or if symptoms persist or worsen despite home remedies, consult a healthcare provider. Persistent itchiness may indicate a deeper health problem that requires expert attention.
Summary
Itchy shoulders can result from nerve irritation, dry skin, fungal infections, or allergies. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are key. Options range from physical therapy and medications to advanced treatments like prolotherapy. Prevention and knowing when to seek medical help are essential for long-term relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is notalgia paresthetica and how is it related to nerve irritation?
Notalgia paresthetica is a neurological condition causing constant itching and unusual sensations in the upper back, often near the shoulder blades, due to nerve irritation.
What are the common causes of an itchy shoulder?
Nerve irritation, dry skin, fungal infections, allergic reactions, or notalgia paresthetica are common causes. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.
How can physical therapy help with an itchy shoulder?
Physical therapy strengthens upper back muscles, improves posture, and reduces nerve irritation, addressing the root cause of discomfort.
When should I see a healthcare provider for an itchy shoulder?
If symptoms persist or worsen after home remedies, or if you experience itching during pregnancy, consult a healthcare provider.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid an itchy shoulder?
Maintain skin hydration, wear breathable fabrics, protect your skin from irritants and sun, and keep nails short to prevent scratching.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating itching shoulder, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with itching shoulder and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- Yosipovitch G, et al. Notalgia paresthetica: an update. Acta Derm Venereol. 2018;98(1):60-65.
- Wallengren J. Notalgia paresthetica: a review and new perspectives. Acta Derm Venereol. 2011;91(5):532-534.
- ProHealth Clinic case studies and clinical experience, 2024.
- National Health Service (NHS). (2023). Itchy skin. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/itchy-skin/