Treatment For Dorsal Scapular Nerve Entrapment

When the cause of a patient’s pain is due to entrapment of the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN), determining where it’s getting trapped will help guide treatment and in giving the proper home exercises. 

The DSN may be getting caught up in one area, or multiple areas because of muscular tension, poor posture, or both. Whatever the case may be, treatment that includes a variety of techniques will provide the most successful outcomes. 

Active Release Technique has proven to be a very effective treatment method in breaking up those adhesions and trigger points around the neck and shoulder blade.

While the entrapment most commonly occurs at the neck, treatment must also include looking at scapular movement when going through shoulder ranges of motion. Since the DSN runs so close to the shoulder blade, it can sometimes get ‘attached’ to it with reaching and overhead movements.

When this happens, the nerve is placed under more strain and can aggravate the symptoms. Making sure these two structures are able to move independent of one another is important for long-term success.

Finally, manipulation of joints in the neck and mid back may be a part of treatment in-office. If indicated, this will help the joints move freely through pain free ranges of motion.