Symptoms of an entrapped ulnar nerve
The ulnar nerve is one of three nerves that supply the hand and arm. The special thing about this nerve is that it is sometimes quite superficial and can therefore be easily irritated. In the area of the elbow it runs through a narrow bony groove directly under the skin.
If one bumps into this area, which is also called the “funny bone”, a tingling and numbness in the forearm and hand occurs. Irritation, for example due to an entrapment, can basically occur along the entire course of the nerves. An irritation in the area of the wrist, for example, is possible. As a result, there may be sensations of discomfort in the ring finger, little finger and the edge of the hand. In the case of a pronounced pinching, the gripping function of the hand may also be impaired.
Symptoms of nerve entrapment at the atlas
The atlas is the uppermost cervical vertebra and, together with the second cervical vertebra (axis), represents the connecting joint between the spinal column and the skull. The joint consisting of the structures mentioned above enables the head to move, such as turning, tilting sideways and bending forward and backward. Due to a mostly jerky load, for example in a traffic accident, the atlas can be displaced and press on the nerve tracts of the spinal cord. Symptoms can include pain and tingling sensations in the neck, as well as impaired vision, dizziness and jaw joint problems. After a traffic accident, it may therefore be necessary to perform imaging of the cervical spine to detect or rule out displacement or injury to the atlas or other structures.
Symptoms of an incarceration at the shoulder
The symptoms of pinched nerves in the shoulder are usually stabbing shooting pains, which are often felt forward towards the chest wall. They depend on movement and are usually localized on one side only. Muscular tension is often the actual cause of the pain.
The nerves merely transmit the pain signal. The most important measure in the case of a trapped nerve at the shoulder is movement with the involvement of the arms. This can be done, for example, by jogging, walking or swimming.
If mobility is restricted due to the pain, a painkiller can be taken for a few days. In addition, a locally applied heat treatment on the shoulder blade, for example by irradiation with a red light lamp, can provide additional relief. If, in addition to the pain, there is also sensation or paralysis of the arm, a doctor should be consulted. This topic may also be of interest to you:
- Pinched nerve at the shoulder
- Impingement Syndrome
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