Do you have pain in the hand or medial (closer to the body) forearm? You may also have paresthesia (pins and needles) into the ring and little finger of the same arm/hand. It could be due to ulnar a nerve syndrome. This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Syndrome.
Anatomy of the Ulnar Nerve
The ulnar nerve is one of the 5 terminal (end) branches arising from the medial (closer to mid line) cord of the brachial plexus (network of nerves in the shoulder). It supplies motor and sensory innervation to the upper extremity. The ulnar nerve originates from contributions of the C8 and T1 nerve roots of the spinal cord. The nerve courses along the medial arm and forearm, and then it passes into the wrist, hand, and fingers.
The ulnar nerve provides motor (voluntary movement) innervation to part of the forearm and a majority of the hand. It supplies sensory cutaneous (skin) innervation to the medial forearm, medial wrist, and medial fifth digit, medial half of the fourth digit, and the corresponding part of the palm.
In the hand, the ulnar nerve branches to give rise to a palmar cutaneous (relating to the skin) and dorsal cutaneous branch.
Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Causes of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Wrist and Elbow
Wrist Entrapment Site: Tunnel of Guyon
The ulnar nerve enters the hand through the Tunnel of Guyon’s canal. The tunnel of Guyon relays the ulnar neurovascular bundle (ulnar nerve, ulnar artery/vein, lymphatic vessels) into the hand. This is a fibro-osseous tunnel formed by the pisiform and hook of the hamate (2 of 8 carpal/wrist bones). And the ulnar nerve may be compressed in the tunnel of Guyon at the wrist.
Of course, the cause could be due to a traumatic sporting activity. For example, you may have slammed the ball while playing basketball against the rim of the hoop. Also, prolonged pressure over the hypothenar eminence (base of fifth digit/little finger) can be a culprit. For instance, constant compression on handlebars, as with cyclists, may cause this problem (i.e. handlebar or cyclist’s palsy). In addition, other causes include vascular abnormalities and/or a ganglion cyst.
Elbow Entrapment Site: Cubital Tunnel
Firstly, the humerus, radius and ulna bones articulate to form the elbow synovial joint. The cubital tunnel is just distal to the medial epicondyle of the humerus (upper arm). And the cubital tunnel floor is made up of the ulnar collateral ligament and the capsule of the elbow joint. The cubital tunnel’s ceiling is formed by Osborne’s ligament (triangular arcuate ligament) and the cubital retinaculum (fascia). This is a ligament spanning from the medial epicondyle to the olecranon process of the elbow. And the medial epicondyle and olecranon act as the walls on either side. Lastly, the ligament is continuous with the fascia connecting the humeral and ulnar heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Secondly, irritation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow can be due to compression, stretch or direct trauma. Typically, a stretch injury is due to a valgus (turned outward) force to the elbow. Moreover, compression may be at the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle where the nerve can get entrapped. Also, you may have arthritis and osteophytes (bony spur) at the cubital tunnel causing nerve irritation.
Thirdly, research indicates the cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity (limb). Often, you may have had throwing activities (e.g. Baseball). Subsequently, this is where the ulnar nerve was medially stretched. Therefore, the pressure in the tunnel is increased with elbow flexed and wrist extension as in throwing. Additionally, you may have slept wrong with your elbow flexed causing compression and “sleep paralysis”. Also, less common causes include lipomas, ganglions, and abnormal soft tissue structures (e.g. scar tissue).
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Syndrome: Research
First, Ulnar Nerve syndrome is a peripheral neuropathy. And a peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. It is a disease characterized by pain or loss of function in the nerves that carry signals to and from the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) to other parts of the body.
Second, Researchers looked at fifteen studies which included neuropathy patients. Furthermore, they studied acupuncture for neuropathy caused by diabetes, Bell’s palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and idiopathic (unknown cause) conditions.
Third, in conclusion, most benefited with acupuncture. Specifically, this was true for diabetic neuropathy, Bell’s palsy, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Indeed, Acupuncture appeared to improve nerve conduction (evaluates peripheral nerve strength) study parameters (strength and speed etc). And this was true in both sensory and motor nerves.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Syndrome: More Research
First, in one study researchers presented a standardized acupuncture protocol for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
Second, the standardization included point selection, number of needles used, needle-retention time, needling depth, amount of needle manipulation, and use of moxibustion and electroacupuncture (EA) .
Third, the outcome for patients was that the standardized protocol was effective. And it was effective for the treatment of neuropathy of various causes.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Syndrome
Acupuncture has been used for over 4000 years to treat pain and other health problem. Acupuncture effects what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin. Additionally, traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in these meridians.
Today, Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, nerves are stimulated. Next, This sends a message to your brain and nervous system. Ultimately, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system. Similarly, this triggers nerve signaling that affects bodily functions. And this includes other parts of the body such as organs.
Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience. Call 561-253-8984 today! Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Syndrome.
References:
- Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5359694/
2. Introducing a Standardized Acupuncture Protocol for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Series
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5733739/