Chiropractic Answers to Funny Bone Compression
By Chris Brown
Hitting the funny bone is a not-so-funny way to create a cursing sharp pain in your arm that lasts a few seconds to a minute. But feeling regular tingling or numbness in the funny bone or fingers, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Ulnar nerve compression is a progressive condition that can lead to debilitating consequences in the hand and arm. Luckily, chiropractic care has been shown to reverse ulnar nerve compression and allow patients to regain full arm functionality.
Ulnar Nerve Compression
The ulnar nerve runs from the neck to the tip of the pinkie and ring fingers along the outside of the arm. When you whack your funny bone against a bookshelf, that howling pain is from hitting the ulnar nerve. Because of its position, the nerve is susceptible to something called compression, particularly along that "funny bone" area of the elbow. Compression, or nerve entrapment, typically occurs when the elbow is bent for long periods of time, bent repeatedly (as in a sporting activity), or is leaned upon so that the nerve is crushed under the body's weight. Similarly, inflammation or fluid buildup in the arm can compress it as well.
Ulnar nerve compression symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness in the outer hand or fingers
- Pain in the elbow
- Weakened grip
- Difficulty controlling fingers
- Outer arm sensitivity to cold
Typically, development of ulnar nerve compression happens over time and, if not treated, can permanently disable the fingers and hand strength. Therefore, it is important to get a medical consultation at the first sign of tingling in your fingers or outer hand. A chiropractor can be a great first point of contact for an ulnar nerve compression diagnosis.
Case Study Finds Chiropractic Resolves Patient's Ulnar Nerve Compression
A case study of a 41-year-old woman with ulnar nerve compression found that chiropractic care helped resolve its symptoms. Her symptoms were likely the result of daily desk leaning at work and included hand numbness, grip weakness, and a difficulty writing with her right hand. After 11 sessions with the chiropractor, all of the patient's symptoms were gone and she fully returned to work. It is hypothesized that the symptomatic improvements were a result of increased range of motion and circulation from spinal adjustments and manipulation of the elbow joint. This allowed the ulnar nerve to decompress and regain optimal communication flow through the fingers.
If you suspect you are suffering from ulnar nerve compression, visit The Joint Chiropractic today. The Joint offers affordable rates for walk-in patients and doctors can usually see you with little to no wait time. Stop by to ease your hand and arm pain with chiropractic joint manipulation.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesa, Ariz.