Your brachial plexus is a network of nerves starting in the mid-cervical spinal cord through the top thoracic vertebrae with nerve fibers enervating the upper extremities. Trauma or chronic injury to the brachial plexus can lead to loss of sensation, strength and motor control of the shoulder, arm and hand. A good chiropractor can help you realign musculoskeletal components to release pressure on the nerves and alleviate pain.
Diagnosis
It is important that your chiropractor know exactly what is going on to create a proper treatment program specific to your injury. Diagnosis will include any recent history of accidents or trauma, where the pain is centered and how it radiates through the arms if at all. You may also require an MRI scan to see if the nerves are being compressed through a herniation or other skeletal issue. Once your doctor knows what nerves are affected from the brachial plexus, she can target the area to release pressure on them.
Treatment
Your chiropractor may use several modes of treatment to release muscle tension and alleviate pressure on the nerves. This may include deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation and ultrasound. You may not be adjusted or "cracked" at every chiropractic appointment. It is important to trust your chiropractor and relax through treatments and adjustments. This may be difficult but is essential to working the "kinks" out of the brachial plexus. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may require one quick adjustment or many office visits. If your condition is not improving or worsening, talk to your chiropractor about other alternatives.
Chiropractic vs. Orthopedic
Realize that while many patients achieve great results from chiropractic care, you may require more aggressive medical procedures to restore nerve space and reduce compression. Talk to your chiropractor and general practitioner about the best course for you. You may need to go to an orthopedic specialist who can review your diagnostic images to see if there is a bigger problem than initially assumed. While chiropractors offer valuable services which are considered a conservative method of spinal and nerve pain treatment, they are limited to what they can diagnose and treat.
Tags: your chiropractor, brachial plexus, brachial plexus, pressure nerves, release pressure