Pinched Nerve in Arm

Incidents which involve compression, constriction or stretching of muscles or body parts, may result in various injuries. Such injuries are referred to by a common term which is known as a pinched nerve, which can affect several sites in the body; in this case, the arm. This condition is gruelingly painful for some people, and has a treatment plan which involves rest, medication and use of various physical therapies. Cases which are too severe to be treated with conservative treatment methods, may require the aid of surgery to ease painful symptoms, and prevent further complications. After having gained a basic understanding about what a pinched nerve is, get some more vital information on the symptoms of pinched nerve, and its treatment, as well.

Symptoms Indicating Pinched Nerve

The symptom which is prominently apparent in a condition of a pinched nerve is a tingling sensation, or known as paresthesia. Paresthesia refers to a sensation similar to one that is felt with pricked with pins or needles. This symptom is usually associated with peripheral nerve damage. This sensation could be felt getting radiated down the arm to the wrist. One or two fingers can also be felt undergoing this tingling sensation; the thumb and the pointing finger being the common ones to be affected.

Depending on the nerve that has been pinched, the fingers are affected. The patient may also suffer socks of pain while moving his arm. This pain graduates from the tingling sensation which is felt initially, and may arise in any specific part of the arm, and may also occur in the tips of the fingers. These symptoms are accompanied by numbness, and a slowly increasing feeling of weakness in the muscles of the affected arm. Twitching, muscle spasms or a sensation of the arm having fallen asleep are also some symptoms of the condition. Possible complications of this ailment may include sciatic, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tennis elbow.

What Causes it?

As mentioned in the opening lines of the article, when muscles are subjected to frequent or too much of compression, constriction or stretching, then one common repercussion can be the painful problem of pinched nerve. When a nerve endures too much pressure from surrounding tissues, it gets inflamed thus, getting disrupted in its normal function. In some people, these tissues could be a bone or cartilage, and in some, muscles or tendons could be the offenders. If we speak of medical conditions, then disorders such as osteoarthritis, or obesity can cause pinched nerve. Also, people involved in repetitive activities, have or are suffering from injury have high chances of getting their nerves pinched. Incorrect posture is also one of the causes.

Treatment for the Condition

Typically, once the pressure is taken off the affected nerve, symptoms improve and the nerve turns normal. However, if the pressure remains for a long time, then permanent nerve damage could be an outcome.

Rest is considered as the primary requirement for treating the condition of pinched nerve in the body. Activities which may tend to aggravate the symptoms must be done away with until recovery. However, if such activities are unavoidable, then they might be carried on with some modifications so that they do not worsen the condition. Patients are also advised to get aid of physical therapy which consists of different exercises. These exercises are specifically designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the affected arm. This in turn helps in relieving pressure on the pinched nerve.

Pain and inflammation in the affected arm may be taken care of by the use of prescribed medications such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Even corticosteroid injections may help. As mentioned before, if the condition does not respond well to conservative treatment, then surgery is the available option to get rid of the pressure on the nerve. The nature or type of the surgery depends on the part of the arm which is affected.

Conditions such as pinched nerve in arm or in any other body part may be prevented by inculcating a few simple self-care measures in day-to-day activities. Some of the basic measures include maintaining a good posture, taking break between repetitive activities, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a regular schedule of exercises for strength and flexibility.