Trapped Nerve in Arm: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

A trapped nerve in the arm, often called a “pinched nerve”, occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. This condition can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arm, and so understanding the causes, symptoms, and management options for a trapped nerve is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

What is a Trapped Nerve?

The three main nerves that travel down your arm in your arm and their approximate paths are:

Median nerve

Runs down the centre of your arm. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve compression syndrome, caused by compression (such as frequent, repetitive wrist movement) of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

Ulnar nerve

Runs down the little finger side of your arm. The second most common nerve compression syndrome is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed or irritated as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. It usually happens when you keep your arm bent for a long time, such as when you rest your arm on the window ledge of your car while driving or lean on your elbows at a table.

Radial nerve

Runs down the thumb side of your arm. Radial Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the radial nerve as it passes through the radial tunnel near the elbow. This leads to pain in the forearm and the back of the hand, often worsening with repetitive arm movements or activities that require gripping or twisting motions.

Causes of a Trapped Nerve in the Arm

Several factors can contribute to the development of a trapped nerve in the arm:

Repetitive Motion: Activities that involve repetitive movements, such as typing or using tools, can lead to overuse injuries, causing inflammation and nerve compression.
Injury or Trauma: Direct injury to the arm, such as a fracture or dislocation, can result in swelling or misalignment, compressing nearby nerves.
Herniated Disc: Though more commonly associated with back pain, a herniated disc in the neck can press on nerves that extend into the arm, leading to symptoms.
Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis can cause bone spurs or joint swelling, which may press against nerves in the arm.
Obesity: Excess weight can increase the risk of nerve compression throughout the body, including the arms.
Poor Posture: Holding improper postures, especially when using electronic devices, can place extra pressure on nerves in the arm.

Symptoms of a Trapped Nerve in the Arm

The symptoms of a trapped nerve can vary depending on the severity and location of the compression. Common symptoms include:

Pain: A sharp, burning, or aching pain that may radiate from the shoulder down to the hand.
Tingling or Numbness: A “pins and needles” sensation, often felt in the fingers or hand.
Weakness: Difficulty gripping or lifting objects due to muscle weakness.
Reduced Sensation: Diminished feeling or sensitivity in the affected area. These symptoms can worsen with certain activities or positions, such as holding a phone or sleeping with the arm in an awkward position.

Diagnosing a Trapped Nerve

Diagnosing a trapped nerve typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify the exact cause and location of the nerve compression may also be used.

Treatment Options

Treatment for a trapped nerve in the arm depends on the severity of the condition. Common approaches include:

Rest and Immobilisation

Avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms can help reduce inflammation and pressure on the nerve.

Wearing and arm band/brace

Wearing an arm band can help manage a trapped nerve, especially when the compression is related to repetitive strain or conditions like tennis elbow or cubital tunnel syndrome. An arm band can help by targeted compression, supporting muscles and tendons, relieving pressure and pain, as well as allowing for continued activity while protecting the nerve – making it easier to perform daily tasks without worsening symptoms.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to manage pain and reduce swelling.

Physical Therapy

Exercises and stretches designed to relieve nerve pressure, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can help relieve a trapped nerve in the arm by using spinal adjustments and joint manipulations to reduce nerve pressure. Chiropractors also address misalignments and improve posture, promoting better nerve function and reducing pain, inflammation, and discomfort in the affected area.

Ergonomic Adjustments

Modifying workstations or daily activities to minimise strain on the arm and prevent further nerve compression.

Corticosteroid Injections

If pain is severe and other treatments aren’t working, a corticosteroid injection can be used to reduce inflammation around the nerve. It is a potent anti-inflammatory and is very effective at reducing the pain and associated swelling. The steroid is combined with a local anaesthetic to ensure the procedure is relatively pain-free, and is carried out using ultrasound guidance to ensure the needle is placed in the correct place to get maximal pain relief.

Prolozone Injections

Prolozone injection, a form of ozone therapy, can help with a pinched nerve by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and relieving pain. Ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen, is injected into the affected area along with nutrients, stimulating oxygenation and improving blood flow to damaged tissues. This aids tissue repair and regeneration, which can help alleviate pressure on the pinched nerve. Additionally, prolozone has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and irritation around the nerve. The treatment is minimally invasive, offering a potential alternative to surgery or prolonged use of medications for nerve-related pain.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Prevention Tips

Preventing a trapped nerve involves maintaining good posture, taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks, and incorporating exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the arm and shoulder. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can also help reduce the risk of nerve compression.

A trapped nerve in the arm can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and limiting mobility, however with appropriate care and preventive measures, most people can find relief and prevent future occurrences, leading to a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

Private Injection Clinics offer both steroid injections and prolozone injections to treat many different MSK related pains – including a trapped nerve in the arm. For more information please take a look at the website.

The Optimum Spine Centre and Private Injection Clinics are based on the coast in Leigh on Sea, and in Colchester Essex – perfect for patients in Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas.