4 symptoms that may indicate a pinched nerve in the arm

A pinched nerve happens when too much pressure is put on a nerve by surrounding tissue, such as bones, muscles or tendons.

This pressure can cause the nerve to send unusual signals to your brain, leading to a variety of symptoms. Pinched nerves can happen anywhere in the body, but specifically in the arm they can occur in the:

• Wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) 
• Elbow (radial tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment syndrome)
• Shoulder (thoracic outlet syndrome)
• Neck (cervical radiculopathy)

A pinched nerve in the arm can be uncomfortable and worrisome. Understanding the symptoms and knowing which nerves can be affected can help you identify and address the issue. Nerves that can be pinched in the arm include:

• Cervical nerves — These nerves come from your neck area, or cervical spine, and can be pinched due to a herniated disc or bone spur. Cervical nerves can affect the shoulder, arm or hand. 
• Radial nerve — This nerve runs from the back of your upper arm down to your hand.
• Median nerve — This nerve runs down your arm and into your hand. When it is pinched, it can affect the thumb, index and middle fingers.
• Ulnar nerve — The ulnar nerve runs along the inner side of your arm and into your hand. A pinched ulnar nerve can affect your ring and little finger. 

4 common symptoms of a pinched nerve in the arm

The pressure on a nerve can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain — You may feel sharp, aching or burning pain in your arm; it can sometimes radiate and travel down from your neck or shoulder into your arm. 
• Tingling or numbness — You may feel like your arm or fingers are experiencing a pins-and-needles sensation or like they are numb. This tingling or numbness can be annoying and may affect your ability to feel things. 
• Weakness — You may notice that your arm feels weaker than usual. You may have difficulty lifting objects or holding things. 
• Reduced sensation — You may have less feeling in parts of your arm or hand, which can make it hard to do things that involve fine motor skills, like writing or buttoning a shirt. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve in your arm, don’t hesitate to get help. Getting the right treatment and taking care of yourself can make a big difference in feeling better and getting back to your normal activities. 

Causes of a pinched nerve in the arm

A pinched nerve in the arm can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Repetitive motions — Activities that involve repetitive arm movements can put pressure on nerves. These activities can include:
• Typing
• Playing an instrument
• Lifting heavy objects
• Injury or trauma — A direct blow to your arm or shoulder can damage nerves. 
• Underlying medical conditions — Pinched nerves can happen due to certain medical conditions, such as:
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Tumors
• Poor posture — Slouching or hunching over can put extra stress on the nerves in your neck and shoulders. 
• Obesity — Excess weight can put pressure on your nerves, especially in your neck and shoulders. 
• Pregnancy — Hormonal changes and increased weight during pregnancy can contribute to pinched nerves.
• Herniated discs — A herniated disc can press on the nerves coming from your neck and affect your arms. 

Your health care provider can diagnose the cause of your pinched nerve and recommend appropriate treatment, such as physical therapy. 

How is a pinched nerve in the arm diagnosed?

A health care professional can diagnose a pinched nerve in your arm through a combination of the following:

• Medical history — Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and any recent injuries or illnesses. 
• Physical examination — They will do a physical examination. This exam will help them assess your range of motion, muscle strength and reflexes. They may also do tests to check for nerve sensitivity or compression. 
• Neurological examination — This may involve tests to assess your coordination, balance and sensation. 
• Imaging studies — In some cases, imaging tests may be used to visualize the bones, muscles and nerves in the affected area. These imaging tests may include:
• X-ray
• MRI
• CT scan

How to treat a pinched nerve in the arm

Treating a pinched nerve in your arm can depend on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Treatment approaches include:

• Rest — Give your arm a break from activities that make your pain worse. Resting allows the nerve time to heal and reduce the pressure that’s causing the problem. 
• Cold or heat therapy — Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. After the inflammation subsides, you can switch to heat therapy. Using a heating pad on the affected area can help relax muscles and boost circulation to promote healing. 
• Pain relievers — Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. 
• Splint or brace — In some cases, wearing a splint or a brace can help immobilize the affected area and reduce pressure on the nerve. 
• Ergonomic adjustments — Making ergonomic adjustments to your workstation can help ensure that you’re not putting unnecessary strain on your neck and arms. This can support better posture and help prevent further irritation. 
• Physical therapy — Working with a physical therapist can provide you with targeted exercises and techniques designed to help relieve symptoms. 
• Corticosteroid injections — In certain cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 
• Surgery — If nonsurgical treatments aren’t successful or if your symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:
• Decompression surgery
• Nerve release surgery
• Fusion surgery

It’s essential that you consult with a health care professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. 

How physical therapy techniques work for a pinched nerve in the arm

When dealing with a pinched nerve in the arm, physical therapy can offer several effective techniques to relieve symptoms and promote healing. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan designed around your unique condition and symptoms. Techniques they use may include:

• Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist can teach you therapeutic exercises using targeted movements designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected nerve, improve flexibility and restore function. These exercises can include:
• Neck stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques used by your physical therapist to manipulate the muscles and joints. These techniques include:
• Soft tissue mobilization — Your physical therapist will use their hands to apply pressure to the muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the pinched nerve. This can help release tension, improve circulation and reduce pain. 
• Joint mobilization — Your physical therapist will gently move the joints in your arm to improve their range of motion and reduce stiffness. This can help reduce pressure on the nerve and improve overall function. 
• Graston Technique® — Using specially designed stainless steel instruments, your physical therapist will detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or adhesions. By breaking up these adhesions, they can help improve blood flow and reduce pain. 
• Myofascial release — Your physical therapist will apply pressure to the fascia, or connective tissue, to release tension and improve flexibility. This can help reduce pain and improve range of motion. 
• Electrical stimulation — Your physical therapist will apply small electrodes to your skin to deliver mild electrical currents, which can help block pain signals, reduce muscle spasms and promote healing. 
• Dry needling — Dry needling is a technique used by certified practitioners. Your physical therapist will manually insert thin, sterile needles into trigger points, or areas of muscle tenderness. By putting needles in these trigger points, it can promote tension release and reduce pain. Dry needling can help improve muscle function and reduce pressure on the nerve. 

These techniques can work together to address the underlying causes of a pinched nerve, such as inflammation, muscle tension and poor posture. By improving your flexibility, strength and function, physical therapy can help alleviate pain, improve range of motion and reduce the risk of future flare-ups. 

Find customized care for pinched nerves with Armor Physical Therapy

At Armor Physical Therapy, we understand that dealing with a pinched nerve in the arm can be challenging and disruptive to your daily life. Whether the cause is related to poor posture, repetitive strain or an injury, our expert team is committed to providing you with a comprehensive approach to treatment. Our physical therapy services are designed to address the root cause of your symptoms and alleviate pain through personalized treatment plans. By focusing on your unique needs and offering tailored care, we aim to help you regain strength, improve function and enhance your overall well-being. Trust us to guide you through your recovery journey with expert care and support. 

Call us or request an appointment today to find out how Armor Physical Therapy can help you find pinched nerve relief.