Pinched Nerves of the Arm
Pinched nerves are one of the many causes of arm pain. Pinched nerves in the arm occur when the ulnar or median nerves are compressed or irritated. It can be caused by a number of factors such as repetitive motions or injuries.
Symptoms
A pinched nerve could cause pain in the arm. Pain that radiates outward from the pinched area is the most common sign of a pinched nervous. You may feel numbness or tingling in the area.
You may feel pain radiating from your shoulder down to your hand if you have a pinched arm nerve. This pain can be accompanied by numbness or tingling in the arm. These symptoms range from mild to severe, and they can make it hard to carry out everyday tasks.
It is important that you consult a physician if you suspect you have a pinched arm nerve. They can diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment. A pinched nerve can be treated with rest, ice or heat, physical therapy or surgery.
Causes
Repetitive motion is one of the leading causes of pinched arm nerves. It can occur when you repeatedly do the same action, like typing on a computer keyboard or using a remote control. Injury, inflammation and compression are other causes of pinched arm nerves.
- The nerves in your arm can be affected by repetitive motions that cause muscles and tendons to tighten. This can cause pain, numbness or tingling.
- A pinched arm nerve can be caused by injury. If you fall on your arm and then land, the nerves can be compressed. Pinched nerves can be caused by inflammation from conditions such as arthritis.
- If you wear a cast for a long time, the nerves of your arm may be compressed.
Treatment
You can treat a pinched arm nerve with a number of different methods. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are available over-the counter. Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes to the area. If your pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or physical therapy.
Home remedies
Some home remedies may be helpful if you’re experiencing arm pain due to a pinched or irritated nerve.
- Avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are both over-the-counter medications.
- Apply a heating pad, or an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes.
If you still have pain, see a physical therapist. They can teach you exercises and stretches to relieve pressure on your nerve.
Medications
Medication may be helpful if you are experiencing arm pain due to a pinched or irritated nerve. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs can reduce pain and inflammation. Inflammation can be reduced by steroids. If the over-the-counter medication doesn’t work, you doctor may prescribe stronger medications. Surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the nerve in some cases.
Exercises
You can perform some simple exercises to relieve the pain of pinched nerves and increase your range-of-motion if you have them in your arm. Begin by gently stretching the muscles and tendons in the area. Try massaging the affected area with a small tennis ball or another firm, small object.
You may need to consult a doctor for specific exercises if the pain is severe. These simple self-care methods can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in most cases. Here are 3 exercises that can help relieve the pain of pinched nerves.
- Stretch your wrists gently several times a day. This will keep the muscles and the tendons surrounding the nerve flexible, and less likely pinch the nerve.
- Swing your arms in a back-and-forth motion several times per day. This keeps the muscles and the joints around the nerve flexible and reduces the risk of pinching the nerve.
Physical Therapy
Pinched nerves in the arm may cause pain, numbness and tingling. These symptoms can be relieved by physical therapy.
- Nerve flossing is a common form of physical therapy used to treat a pinched arm nerve. The affected arm is gently moved up and down from the shoulder all the way to the hand. This helps to stretch the nerve and loosen it.
- Trigger point releases – This is another type of physical therapy to treat a pinched arm nerve. The trigger point release is done by applying pressure on specific points of the muscle that causes pain. This pressure can release tension and reduce pain in the muscles.
A pinched arm nerve can be treated with physical therapy. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing pain, numbness or tingling.
