BRACHIAL PLEXUS - Gradually getting worse - Now numbness and tingling in forefinger and thumb

by ERIC HARTLEY
(YORK, PA)

Hi doc,

Your information here was very informative.
Im a 38yr old (not active in sports or anything and no recent injuries or accidents)

I honestly think I must have developed this from the position I sleep and rest in.

Typically laying on my left side with my left arm almost fully extended (flexed?) resting my head on my left bicep. - Is this possible? Im trying to make a concious effort to rest on my right side now - without as much of a stretch on my arm and neck.

Anyway I work in a health-care setting in the Information Services department - but oddly enough hate going to see a doctor?


Im fairly positive I have developed a BRACHIAL PLEXUS injury(from resting incorrectly?) - it is gradually getting worse - Now I have numbness and tingling in forefinger and thumb.

I have looked up exercises and treatments and have found some recommended stuff - I can force the sharp shock like sensation when I try only one of the recommended exercises - face forward sitting up - leaning my head towards my left shoulder for 5 seconds at a time.

Ive got a pretty busy schedule and hate going to the doctor's office. I see how I think it will go:

1st Appt. -with generalist - money/time - no answer - suggests take some Advil and go home come back in 3 weeks if still a problem.

2st Appt. -with generalist - money/time - referral for Neurologist?

3rd Appt. -with neurologist - money/time - intake - referral for MRI

4th appt. - MRI

5th appt - back to neurologist - suggests exercises based on MRI findings

Am I right about this?
Please let me know your thoughts.

Hello Eric,

You could have saved yourself a lot of "money/time" by first consulting a chiropractor! Seriously though, pain running down the arm from the neck is one of the more difficult conditions we treat at the Chiropractic Coalface too.

Let's take these things one at at time:

1. It's OLD injuries that often come back to haunt. An old whiplash that set up a chronic spinal fixation in the lower neck is often a big factor in this condition. And, if you do nothing, you'll get "immobilisation arthritis".

2. Your sleeping posture may well be a big factor. I need to do a page at Chiropractic Help on sleeping posture. Thanks for the reminder, visit again in a week or two. Don't let that arm go into extension (behind you), or up high. More to come...

3. Know what the side-effects of Advil, an anti-inflammatory are? You should.

4. I'm presuming the neurologist's reaction that there is no bulging disc to be seen on the MRI.

5. Tilting your head to the side, lateral flexion, closes down the foramen where the C6 nerve exits from the spine, on its way to the thumb and forefinger - that's very specific.

6. Does placing your hand on your head relieve, or aggravate the pain and tingling? Shoulder abduction relief sign.

Sorry, more time and money! Start looking for a competent chiropractor in your area. Take your scans. Be patient, this is a condition we treat on a daily basis, but it is one of the more difficult, depending on what's to be found on the scan.

Neglect this and the triceps will become weak, and waste away. Try doing pressups - does your sore arm tire much faster?

I hope this contributes.

PS> Handy? Try making a "home traction" unit. Or buy one. Use the search feature at Chiropractic-Help for all these terms.