Pinching a nerve is never fun. It’s painful and can be quite debilitating and scary. Many nerves are at risk of pinching. One such nerve is the ulnar nerve, which runs from the base of your neck to your fingers. It helps muscle control in the forearm and hand. The ulnar nerve also helps maintain feeling in the pinky finger and ring finger. However, the most vulnerable part of the ulnar nerve is the elbow. It can cause major problems if the nerve is entrapped. But, can chiropractic help ulnar nerve entrapment? The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont has the answer!
What is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?
Ulnar nerve entrapment is when your ulnar nerve has become pinched. There are quite a few causes, mainly putting excess pressure on the elbow consistently. If you have ulnar nerve entrapment, the first thing you’ll notice is difficulty using your hand. Bending the fingers and grasping objects will be harder than normal. Your arm may also be tender and more sensitive to cold. The last major symptom is a tingling in your pinky and ring finger. If you have arthritis or an arm injury, you may be at a higher risk of ulnar nerve entrapment. Without treatment, the nerve damage can worsen and even become permanent. Another area where the nerve can be pinched causing tingling in the ring and little finger is in the front portion of the neck. This is called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and is very effectively treated with appropriate spinal corrections and muscle work.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
Chiropractic is a great way to assist with pinched nerves. Chiropractic has had an entire case report written about its effectiveness with ulnar nerve entrapment. A chiropractor can massage, manipulate, and mobilize soft tissue to reverse the pinch on the nerve and promote healing. Then, they can create an exercise and stretching regimen to help avoid pinching the nerve in the future. Additionally, since most ulnar nerve entrapments are caused by compression via workspace stagnation, a chiropractor can help find more ergonomic workspace options. Chiropractic goes above and beyond by not only treating immediate symptoms but also working towards multiple preventative measures.
Summary
Ulnar nerve entrapment is a type of pinched nerve. It affects the ulnar nerve, which runs from your neck to your fingers. The most common cause is compression of the nerve itself. Chiropractic can manipulate the joints affecting the nerve and the soft tissues to promote healing and reverse the pinch on the elbow nerve, as well as work towards preventing it from happening in the future.
If you’re interested in seeing a chiropractor or even in a chiropractic adjustment visit us at one of our offices, in Erie or in Longmont. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont treat the body holistically with our award-winning treatment process, in fact, we have been voted “Best of the West” eleven times and our aim is to help your body achieve and maintain optimal performance.
We specialize in treating patients suffering from spinal pain and many other maladies and have helped several patients find relief without the need for surgery. If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic care in Longmont or Erie or have questions about what to expect during your first chiropractor visit in Erie or Longmont, call our offices today at 303-828-3000 or 303-772-1950!
