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 Nerve entrapment at the cubital tunnel of the elbow. This post is about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Cubital Tunnel of the Elbow.
Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Causes of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Cubital Tunnel of the Elbow
Irritation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow can be due to compression, stretch or direct trauma. A stretch injury is typically 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.
Often, you may have had throwing activities (e.g. Baseball) where the ulnar nerve was medially stretched. So 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”.
Less common causes include lipomas, ganglions, and abnormal soft tissue structures (e.g. scar tissue).
Research indicates the cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity (limb).
Anatomy of the Ulnar Nerve
The ulnar nerve is one of the 5 terminal (end) branches arising from the medial 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.
Cubital Tunnel Anatomy
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.
Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic for Ulnar Neuropathy at the Cubital Tunnel of the Elbow:
Firstly, soft tissue techniques will be rendered to the contracted fibrotic muscle and collagen. Specifically, Flexor carpi ulnaris may be an entrapment site.
Secondly, Chiropractic adjustments (chiropractic manipulative therapy) to the wrist and the associated restricted joints along the extremity/spinal kinetic chain as necessary.
Thirdly, physical therapy (e.g. electric muscle stimulation, ice/heat) to help reduce pain and inflammation are provided.
Fourthly, ergonomic recommendations and modification and therapeutic exercise (e.g. stretching and strengthening).
Are your suffering from Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Cubital Tunnel of the Elbow?
We offer excellent Chiropractic care for Ulnar Neuropathy. At Meiri Chiropractic, we spend the time necessary to examine, diagnose and treat every neuromusculoskeletal condition and various ailments you have. Indeed, Chiropractic is a holistic and natural way to not only treat shoulder and arm pain, but to keep your body in its best working condition. We have been offering effective chiropractic care in West Palm Beach since 2006. Many of our patients reviews note our excellence. Call us today at 561-253-8984 to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic West Palm Beach: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Cubital Tunnel of the Elbow.