Upper Limb Nerve Pain: What It Is, Symptoms & How to Find Relief
Nerve pain in the upper limb
Are you experiencing pain in your arm, forearm, hand or fingers? Nerve pain in the upper limb can result from various causes. It can be due to a simple mechanical cause (for example, overuse) or may be due to a neurological condition. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying cause of nerve pain. Treatment options vary according to the underlying cause, and a tailored treatment plan is crucial for effective management.
What are the symptoms of nerve pain in the upper limb?
- Pain: The type of pain can be sharp, burning, or radiating (pain spreading from the neck down to the shoulder, arm, and hand). Movement often triggers irritation, such as pain caused by neck bending or gripping.
- Tingling sensation: Pins and needles sensation in the affected parts of the upper limb
- Numbness: loss of sensation in the affected area
- Muscle weakness: You may have difficulty performing tasks, holding things, or gripping.
What are the causes of nerve pain in the upper limb?
- Cervical radiculopathy: Nerve supply to the upper limb starting from the neck. A nerve can be compressed at the neck level. The cause can be degenerative changes in the cervical spine or herniated disc. This pain can radiate to the arm, forearm and hand. This may be associated with neck pain.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A nerve that supplies to the hand runs to the hand under a sheath at the wrist level (this passage is called the carpal tunnel). When this passage narrows down, it compresses the nerve, causing pain, numbness and tingling sensation in the hand and fingers.
- Peripheral neuropathy: Various conditions such as Diabetes, Autoimmune diseases, and Infections can cause damage to peripheral nerves of the upper limb. This leads to widespread pain, tingling sensation, numbness and weakness of the upper limb.
- Trauma: Injuries to the arm, shoulder, and neck, such as fractures and dislocation, can result in nerve injury of the upper limb.
How is the diagnosis made?
A thorough physical examination, including patient history and physical tests, helps diagnose nerve pain. Diagnostic investigations such as Imaging (X-ray, CT scan or MRI), Nerve Conduction Tests or Electromyograms (EMG) might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for nerve pain in the upper limb?
- Medications: Oral or injected medications can be useful to manage your nerve pain and reduce inflammation; for example, pain-relieving medications, anti-inflammatory medications or injected steroids.
- Conservative management with physiotherapy, as well as ergonomic corrections, devices, and exercises, helps to reduce nerve pain, relieve nerve compression, and improve muscle strength and quality of life.
- Surgical interventions: When conservative management fails to relieve nerve compression, surgery becomes necessary to address the issue. For Cervical radiculopathy, procedures like discectomy or fusion are often required. In cases of nerve damage, repairing and grafting the affected nerve may be essential for recovery.
How can we help you?
Tailored physiotherapy treatment programs, including posture and ergonomic correction, stretching, strengthening and nerve gliding exercises, can reduce nerve pain, relieve nerve compression, and improve muscle strength and quality of life. We individualise treatment plans based on the clinical diagnosis.
It is crucial to diagnose accurately and get the right treatment for your neurological pain. Don’t let nerve pain limit your life.
Contact our physiotherapists today to begin your tailored treatment plan and regain control of your mobility and strength!
