Shoulder

Neuritis, bursitis, neuralgia, rheumatism, frozen shoulder, fibrositis, strained or sprained muscles and poor circulation are all terms that are associated with arm. 

Brain Control

The nerves in the body make up an intricate telecommunications system that enables the brain to communicate with the entire body. The spinal cord is a large bundle of nerves that extend from the brain and run down the spinal column.  These nerves pass through holes, foramina, between the spinal bones called vertebrae.

Some nerves intertwine with other nerves to form complicated networks called the nerve plexus. There are several plexuses in the human body. A few plexuses are as follows: along the sides of the neck is the cervical plexus, near the shoulders is the brachial plexus, near the stomach is the solar plexus, and in the lower back is the lumbar plexus. 

Brachial Plexus

Extending from the lower back and upper back are nerves that make up the brachial plexus. These nerves branch off into the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. Common brachial plexus damage occurs where the nerves exit the spinal column through the foramina plexus.  The nerves become pinched and compressed when the surrounding ring of bone and meninges become smaller. This is caused by long-term spinal stress, old injuries, new injuries from accidents, arthritis, sleeping in awkward positions and stresses of daily living.

Symptoms range from arm pain, to weakness, numbness and pins and needles. There has even been an association between brachial plexus damage and arthritis, throat conditions, thyroid and nasal problems, and epilepsy.

The Medical Approach

Painkillers and muscle relaxers are the common form of medial treatment for brachial plexus damage. Physical therapy, such as hot packs, ultrasound, cold packs, and traction are also used. In severe cases injections are used and surgery is recommended.