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Radiating Arm Pain

Radiating Arm Pain (associated with bulging disc or disc herniation)

Just like the sciatic nerve runs down each leg, the brachial nerve runs down your arms into smaller nerves as it travels to your hands. This nerve provides feeling to your arms and fingers, as well as controlling the muscles. The nerve can get pinched by an injured disc in your neck which is called herniated disc or bulging disc.

What causes a herniated disc/bulging disc?

The neck can withstand tremendous repetitive strain and overuse. However, over time these small strains to the neck continue to build up to a point where damage is being done to the muscles and discs. Poor Posture can also contribute to damage to the discs.
A herniated disc occurs when excessive strain and pressure is placed on the soft, spongy cushion material between the bones of the spine causing them to move out of place. The disc can also become injured and start to break down. If the disc is near a nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. The person feels this radiate to other areas of the body where the nerve travels, frequently into the arms. Herniated/bulging discs can be a source of intense and debilitating pain that impedes you from living your life to the fullest.

How do I know if I have radiating pain?

Pain that radiates may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected arms. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Neck pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time.
How is a herniated disc/bulge treated?
Unfortunately, once a disc herniates/bulges, they rarely, if ever, completely heal. Further deterioration can often be avoided through regular chiropractic care, but a complete recovery is much less common. Dr. Ressler uses a special flexion-distraction table, this specialized table is widely used today for cervical and lumbar disc herniations, as well as to increase spinal joint mobility and non-disc spinal disorders. He can also work with your local orthopedic doctors and therapists to manage the injury should you not respond to conservative care.