Neck, shoulder, elbow and hand pain
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What is it?
Pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow and hand is a symptom of a problem originating in the cervical vertebrae, which are the most fragile and serve to support the head and allow it to rotate. The cervical vertebrae are the first point of contact with the central and peripheral nervous systems, and any dysfunction in this area can radiate down into the arm.
Causes
A displacement in the cervical vertebrae pain in the right or left arm, neck, shoulder, elbow and hand can be caused by poor posture, e.g. prolonged head downward posture (the "head down syndrome"), which can lead to pain in the right or left arm, neck, shoulder, elbow and hand. Text-Neck with mobile phones); making a sudden movement, heavy lifting, injury from physical activity or a road accident, whiplash and even stress, which can lead to loss of cervical lordosis or curvature of the cervical spine.
When this happens, the muscles have to work harder and as a result tighten and contract in the shoulder or other parts of the body, resulting in pain in the affected areas.
Cervical curve rectification is often the cause of neck or arm pain. Herniated discs are the consequence of years of neck pain.
Diseases such as tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder syndrome, carpal tunnel, cervicobrachialgia, tendon inflammation, cervical disc herniation, dislocations or fractures are also often responsible for pain in the right arm from the shoulder to the elbow and even the wrist and hand, depending on the type of disease involved.
Neck pain feels like a tightness in your neck muscles that prevents neck movement and is sometimes accompanied by headache and dizziness.
Pressure on the shoulder nerves and rotator cuff tendons, on the other hand, causes shoulder pain radiating down the arm, which is perceived as a contracture, tingling and difficulty in moving it easily. At the wrist and hand level, there is a feeling of a numbness and rotation becomes difficult. In addition, when the area is palpated, the person feels a hypersensitivity and may experience pain at the slightest touch.
In some cases, the pressure on the nerves and tendons is so strong that holding objects in the affected area of the body with the hand is impossible and they tend to fall out due to weakness.
Prevention
To prevent neck pain, stiff shoulders and pain in the arms, elbows and hands, there are a number of practical measures you can take: adopt good posture when walking, sitting or lying down; avoid sudden movements of the neck; and do not keep your neck in the same position for long periods.
Diagnosis
Tests are usually carried out to determine the cause of the pain. These include X-rays, MRI scans and electromyography, which help to identify any abnormalities in the cervical spine or nervous system. At our clinic, we also carry out a full physical examination and specific orthopaedic tests.
Treatment
Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are conventionally recommended, as is the application of cold or heat to the affected area. However, these measures only provide temporary relief of the symptoms, without addressing the underlying cause. Chiropractic treatment targets the spinal dysfunction causing the problem, offering more lasting relief.
Risk factors
People who practice sports involving the lifting of weights or those who perform works where the neck has to be held in one position for a long time or where sudden movements of the cervical spine are required, there is an increased risk of pain in the right arm from the shoulder to the elbow or pain in the hand.
In addition, the age becomes another risk factor, as ageing can lead to wear and tear on the cervical spine, joints and ligaments, resulting in pain that can start in the neck and radiate down the arm.
Complications
If the cause of the symptoms is not addressed promptly, the person may experience increasingly severe pain that prevents them from carrying out their daily activities as normal. They may also experience other symptoms such as weakness and impaired reflexes.
In the most severe cases, the shoulder or hand may “freeze”, i.e. the shoulder or hand may become "frozen", their mobility would be lost and surgical intervention would be required.
Formerly
72€
Now
36€
There is now scientific evidence to support the effectiveness and benefits of chiropractic care.
We have extensive experience in supporting people with chiropractic-related complaints, thanks to the day-to-day work of our professionals.
Our approach is geared towards helping each individual improve from the very first session, thereby achieving a high level of satisfaction.
