 There are numerous ways in which the long thoracic nerve can sustain trauma-induced injury.These include, but are not limited to, blunt trauma (e.g.blow to the neck or shoulder, sudden depression of the shoulder girdle, unusual twisting of the neck and shoulder), repetitive movements (as observed in athletic activities such as weight lifting or sports that involve throwing), excessive compression of the shoulder area by straps (see backpack palsy), and various household activities (e.g.