Do You Experience Tingling or Pain in Your Arms?

There are various kinds of arm pain, from sore muscles to joint pain and numbness. While some arm pain may be easily explained as a result of an injury or overuse, not all arm pain results from such factors. At our Frisco spine center, our team of neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and therapists have extensive experience in the treatment and diagnosis of neck and back pain, and we understand how the spine, nervous system, and body work together. We can determine the root cause of your arm pain – if you suffer from tingling, numbness, or sharp pains, they may be the result of a spinal condition – and take action to alleviate your discomfort and rectify the cause. Please don’t hesitate to contact Frisco Spine today if you suffer arm pain; our team emphasizes conservative management and would be happy to help.

 

Causes of Arm Pain

Arm pain can result from injury, overuse, arthritis, joint conditions, and other factors. However, at Frisco Spine, we are primarily concerned with arm pain that stems from spinal conditions. Commons spinal conditions which can contribute to arm pain are:

• Disc Herniation – The spinal column is made up of individual vertebrae, which are connected by an intervertebral disc and two joints, known as facet joints. The disc has an annulus fibrous outer layer and nucleus pulposus center, which is gel-like. If the outer fibrous layer tears, the center of the disc can rupture or become herniated. This places pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, and can result in pain or numbness in the extremities, including the arms.
• Cervical Stenosis – As we age, the intervertebral discs begin to wear resulting in spinal degeneration. In severe cases, bone spurs can form on the discs and encroach on the spinal canal. Through this process, the bone spurs place pressure on the nervous system, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms. Cervical stenosis specifically refers to degeneration of the vertebrae in the cervical spine, or top-most portion.
• Foraminal Stenosis – The foramen is the spinal canal, and it guides the nerve roots from the spine throughout the body. If this canal is constricted in any way – as the result of bone spurs, herniated or bulging discs, arthritis, or ligament thickening – it can cause stenosis.
• Facet Arthropathy – There are two facet joints on the posterior of the spine for each of the spine’s 24 vertebrae. These joints allow for movement of the vertebrae in relation to each other. Degenerative arthritis – which can be caused by wear and tear, injury, fractures, or torn ligaments – can affect the bony surfaces and cartilage of the joints and even result in bone spurs.
• Spondylosis – Degenerative changes of the discs can cause a condition known as spondylosis, as well as facet syndrome. In some cases, a slippage of one vertebra can occur as well, resulting in a condition known as spondylolisthesis. In both cases, pressure on the spinal cord may occur, resulting in pain, discomfort, and muscle weakness in the extremities.

We prioritize non-surgical treatment at Frisco Spine; however, we are always open to surgical treatments if necessary. After a thorough evaluation, we can determine the most effective treatment. We will advise you of your options, explain our recommendations, and answer any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment.

Considerations

Nerve damage can cause a wide range of symptoms. Among the symptoms that can indicate nerve damage include pain and numbness in the extremities, muscle weakness, and tingling sensations in the fingers. Though these symptoms don’t necessarily pinpoint nerve damage as the cause of the problem, if you experience them regularly over an extended period of time, it’s likely that nerve damage is the root factor, as symptoms caused by other factors, such as trauma or overuse, will typically subside over time. If you are experiencing numbness, tingling sensations, or persistent arm pain, Frisco Spine is equipped with the tools and staff necessary to help.

Treat Your Arm Pain – Contact Frisco Spine

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you are experiencing arm pain. At Frisco Spine, our team takes great care to guide our patients through every step of their treatment process, and we always approach treatment with the most conservative solution possible in mind.