Let’s face it, we don’t ever want to have any injuries or suffer from pain. However, most people want to enjoy a full life, and occasional injuries and pain are part of the big picture.
When a nerve in the neck or lower back is irritated, it often sends a signal down the arm and continues to cause pain until freed from its irritation. While such pain may manifest itself in the arm, it often originates in the spine. In fact, all of the activity in the body’s extremities is associated with the nerves that exit the cervical spine.
Although a few problems involving radiating arm pain require further investigation, the large majority of cases can be addressed with chiropractic care and chiropractic, non-surgical treatments can bring lasting relief.
What happens when you suffer from radiating arm pain symptoms and go to a chiropractor’s office?
Your chiropractor will take a thorough history, do a detailed examination and order tests if needed, with the overall goal of designing the most effective care plan to help solve the specific problem of arm pain. X-rays may be performed, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) study ordered, or other tests may also be recommended. Once the full clinical picture is drawn, corrective care is initiated.
Care will include a spinal adjustment. This involves a gentle maneuver, with an instrument or by hand, which will restore the alignment and position of the adjoining spinal bones and the discs that is sandwiched between the sections of the spine. Correction of the spinal position restores the spinal nerve to its proper function and thus alleviates radiating symptoms. You may be surprised how quickly you feel better and return to normal function.
Your doctor of chiropractic may use other treatments that range from traction to rehabilitative exercises and stretches. Adjustments to the joints of the extremities may also be necessary. In addition, soft tissue techniques may be employed to release tension in the muscles and connective tissues. Your chiropractor will likely also make recommendations for improved posture, safer lifting habits and ergonomic enhancements to your daily activities.
The approach is holistic and takes into consideration all of the different aspects that contribute to radiating symptoms and/or loss of function, or weakness. Your personalized comprehensive chiropractic care plan is designed to return you to improved health as quickly as possible and you’ll find non-surgical chiropractic treatments can bring lasting relief.
Whether you are suffering radiating arm pain as the result of a herniated disc in the neck or back as seen on an MRI, or you are just beginning to feel a questionable symptom after an uneasy night’s sleep, it is comforting to know that chiropractors are experts in dealing with the spine and nerve problems. The chiropractic approach is highly effective and due to the effective and noninvasive/conservative treatment, it can be a smart first call.
The bottom line is that qualified chiropractors are experienced in the diagnosis and care of such problems. Remember, your chiropractor will be able to determine if your radiating pain is associated with muscles, ligaments, and tendons, or if it is related to pressure on a spinal nerve.
If you have questions about chiropractic care for arm pain, please contact our offices and schedule a consultation today by calling 865.429.4404.