Uninhibited and pain free movement in the shoulders, arms, and hands is something we all too often take for granted. We rely on our upper extremities for everything, but that blithe reliance can work against us in cases of nerve damage and neuropathy. Here at Grant Chiropractic, we are happy to help those suffering from brachial plexus neuropathy. Dr. Grant can treat patients with the condition whether it is the result of an accident or a chronic concern.
What Is Brachial Plexus Neuropathy?
Brachial plexus neuropathy is a form of peripheral neuropathy that occurs when the brachial plexus is damaged. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that provides sensation and movement to the shoulder, arms, and hands. Any damage to that network can limit movement, minimize feeling in the arm and shoulder, and inspire pain.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of brachial plexus neuropathy is numbness in the affected region (shoulders, arms, or hands). Along that same line, the upper extremities can experience debilitating weakness. In more extreme cases, the numbness may be replaced with pain that feels like tingling or burning. Patients may also feel abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms, wrists, or hands.
Causes
Brachial plexus neuropathy is generally caused by one of two issues: a herniated cervical disc in the neck or thoracic outlet syndrome.
Herniated Cervical Disc
The spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) and the rubbery cushions (disks) that sit between them. These discs have been compared to jelly donuts. The exterior, the annulus, is similar to a tough rubber, supporting the vertebrae and keeping them from scraping against each other. The interior, the nucleus, is much more pliable, often compared to jelly.
A herniated disc (also called slipped or ruptured discs) occurs when the nucleus pushes through a tear in the annulus. When this happens, the disc often puts unnatural pressure on the spinal cord, causing neuropathy. While herniated discs happen most frequently in the low back, they can happen anywhere along the spine. The cervical discs are in the neck and chiefly affect the shoulders and arms.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The term thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) describes a group of disorders that occur when the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib (the thoracic outlet) are compressed. Thoracic outlet syndrome is often the result of an injury, perhaps sustained on the field or in an auto accident. It can also be caused by congenital conditions—such as having an extra rib—and pregnancy. In some cases, the cause of the condition may be unknown.
Because the nerves in cases of thoracic outlet syndrome are compressed, affected patients may suffer from neuropathy of the brachial plexus or other areas.
Diagnosing
Neuropathy of the brachial plexus can be diagnosed through clinical examination and tests, including ultrasound, chest x-ray, and MRI of the head, neck, and shoulder. However, sometimes a simple examination of the arm, hand, and wrist can reveal a problem with brachial plexus nerves without all the fuss.
Treating Brachial Plexus Neuropathy
Fortunately, the prognosis for neuropathy patients is generally promising, especially if the condition is identified and treated early on. If the underlying cause is not identified or treated in time, the result may be prolonged nerve pain and partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Patients should seek help as soon as they experience symptoms.
The treatment for brachial plexus neuropathy is most effective when it is geared toward treating the underlying cause of the condition. Occasionally the problem will resolve itself on its own, though it is wise to seek professional help. A general practitioner is likely to recommend braces, splints, physical therapy, or even surgery in addition to prescribing pain medication. A chiropractor, on the other hand, will have effective natural strategies that get to the root of the issue.
Neuropathy Caused by Herniated Disc
Those suffering from brachial plexus neuropathy caused by a slipped disc will find that chiropractic care is the best solution. A chiropractor can deliver spinal adjustments and decompression services that help restore the disc to its proper position and relieve the pain caused by misalignment. Such procedures are mechanical, delivered either by chiropractic instrument or by the chiropractor’s hands, and nonsurgical. This means that they are safer and that the initial relief is essentially instantaneous instead of waiting months for recovery.
Electrical stimulation, functional stretching, and trigger point myofascial release are also highly effective methods for relieving neuropathy pain. As a doctor of the spine, a chiropractor helps patients take care of their bodies to avoid further injury in the future.
Neuropathy Caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
If your brachial plexus neuropathy is the result of thoracic outlet syndrome, chiropractic adjustment can provide relief. The process is natural, simple, and straightforward, and the result is restoring the skeleton to its proper alignment, again protecting the brachial plexus. A chiropractor is also likely to recommend stretching and myofascial release of the anterior scalene muscles.
