INTER SCALENE TRIANGLEaka "SCALENE TRIANGLE"
Searching for something specific? Say, " WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC ". Just type it in here...  Custom Search (Keywords: INTER SCALENE TRIANGLE, tingling in arms and hands, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Cervical rib ) Five large trunks of nerves (known as the Brachial Plexus) emerging from the lower Cervical Spine, together with the large artery that supplies the arm (the Subclavian artery) emerge from the chest cavity via a narrow passageway known as the Inter Scalene Triangle. "Inter" because it lies between two small muscles in the neck, the Anterior Scalene and the Medial Scalene muscles. And "triangle" because it is bounded beneath on the third side by the first rib. Clinically, the Inter Scalene Triangle is of vital importance being the underlying cause of many of the ARM PAIN syndromes and tingling in the arms and hands. Spasm of the scalene muscles, a subluxated first rib and a cervical rib are often at the root of conditions like
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ...
Anterior Scalene muscleThe anterior border of the Inter Scalene triangle is the Anterior Scalene muscle which laterally flexes the neck to the same side, and raises the first rib.It originates from the transverse processes (TPs) of the middle cervical vertebrae and inserts into the first rib. Nerve Supply: C4-C6 spinal nerves
Medial Scalene muscleThe posterior border of the Inter Scalene triangle is the Medial Scalene muscle. It too originates from the TPs of the Cervical vertebrae and inserts further posteriorally on the first rib - posterior to the Subclavian groove in the rib (for the artery).It too laterally flexes the neck and raises the first rib.
CERVICAL RIBSIn the normal spine only the twelve thoracic vertebrae have ribs, however anomalies do occur. Fairly commonly the first lumbar vertebra may have a small rudimentary rib, mostly usually associated with another anomaly at the lumbo-sacral junction, as in this SACRALIZATION OF L5 CaseFile ...Less commonly, the last cervical vertebra, C7, may also have a rudimentary rib. Mostly they are quite small and of no clinical significance. But very occasionally the cervical rib may be quite large and, because it also passes through the narrow inter scalene triangle, taking up space, may impinge on either the Subclavian artery or the brachial plexus producing a bizarre mixture of vascualar and neurological signs in the arm. CERVICAL RIBS ... 
CaseFilesIt's well recognised that casefiles have no scientific status, but they do give us insight into how others perceive their problems, and howthey cope, or don't cope. And whether Chiropractic has a contribution to make or not.Do keep in mind that very large cervical ribs like this one are relatively rare. Not every tingle in the arm is caused by a cervical rib!
CERVICAL RIB CaseFile ... Do you have a question about your health?Do you have a question? Shoot! Please include important details such as when the problem started, what increases and relieves the pain, which movements cause dizziness, whether the pain radiates to all the fingers or just the thumb and forefinger, for example. What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors ...
Both arms becoming numb.
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Pain deep in biceps muscle of arm and hurts to raise arm up
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BRACHIAL PLEXUS
Arm Pain
SHOULDER
"The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord and controls muscle movements and sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand."
Mayo Clinic
Shoulder anatomy ...
Frozen shoulder ...
"My thumb, forefinger and middle finger went weak after cuff surgery."
"Hello,I take it you've been back to the surgeon.
It's probably temporary inflammation of the median nerve, but of course could be worse... I'm afraid I don't think chiropractic has anything to offer at this stage.
Once everything has healed up, if you don't get the strength back, or your fingers remain numb and tingly, then I'd consult a local chiro to see if there is also a problem in your neck or the first rib.
Dr B"
Letter from reader looking for advice.
Rotator cuff syndrome - try Chiropractic first!
Rotator Cuff strengthening
Thoracic Outlet syndrome
ELBOW
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow exercises
WRIST
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel exercises
Carpal tunnel case file