Pain in the arm and hands is a common condition experienced when there is pressure being applied to the nerve roots exiting the neck.  Let’s do a quick review of some human anatomy.  There are 2 areas in the spine where the nerves exiting the spinal cord form plexuses, or groups of nerve fibers, that then go into the arms and legs to serve those muscles and other tissues.

Because these nerves run from the neck and lower back down the entire length of the arms and legs people often experience pressure on the these nerves in the neck and back as arm and leg pain, numbness or tingling.

The sensation is very similar to hitting your “funny bone” which is actually just a nerve that does not have much protection from physical contact.  The main difference here is that the injury is quick and precise with the funny bone example and long and consistent with pressure on the nerve roots in the neck and lower back which cause the pain in the arms and legs.

This common condition can usually be relieved with just a few chiropractic adjustments since in many cases the cause of the problem is found in the joints and muscles of the spine.  When the muscle is allowed to relax and proper motion is restored to the joints of the back and neck these symptoms often disappear.  We treat patients for this condition daily in both our Glenwood City and New Richmond chiropractic offices.