What’s Causing the Throbbing or Pulsing
Have you ever experienced the unsettling sensation of your arm throbbing or pulsing? It’s a common occurrence, and while you might initially think it’s just a muscle twitch, the actual cause often lies in the intricate network of nerves in your neck. To truly comprehend this phenomenon, it’s crucial to understand that the instructions for your arm muscles originate from the nerves in your neck.
The Referred-Pain Phenomenon
Surprisingly, many individuals with irritated neck nerves don’t necessarily experience severe neck pain. Instead, they feel tightness or throbbing in their arm muscles. This can be a warning sign of potentially more significant neck issues in the future. Over time, these neck problems can manifest as arm issues, including conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Addressing the neck problem when the throbbing arm first appears is vital.
Neck Nerves and Arm Throbbing
The intricate connection between muscles and nerves plays a pivotal role in arm throbbing. Muscles receive signals from nerves to function correctly. When these nerves are irritated, the muscles may malfunction, causing certain areas of the muscles to become tense, leading to the formation of trigger points. These tight bands of muscle don’t contract and relax as healthy muscles do, creating excessive strain on the tendons’ attachment points, eventually resulting in tendinitis.
But how does a nerve in the neck impact muscles and tendons in the arm, leading to throbbing? The wiring of the neck, shoulder, and arm is interconnected. Consequently, injured neck nerves can cause referred throbbing, tightness, and pain not only in the arm but also in the shoulder. Referred pain refers to the phenomenon where the pain you feel in one part of your body originates in another part, sometimes feeling more intense than the source of the pain. For instance, problems in the neck can lead to pain radiating all the way down to the hip.
For instance, a chronic case of tennis elbow that doesn’t respond well to treatment may be a signal of a pinched nerve in the neck. The C6-C7 nerves in the neck supply these forearm muscles and can malfunction in small areas when irritated. Therefore, what appears to be an elbow issue could actually be a warning sign stemming from the neck.
The Referred-Pain Phenomenon
Unfortunately, the referred-pain phenomenon has led to unnecessary surgeries over the years. Take tennis elbow, for instance. Surgeons might perform invasive procedures to cut the tendon in the elbow, believing it will release the tightness in the arm. However, if the issue is, in fact, rooted in a neck nerve problem, the patient will continue to experience pain or tightness in the same spot even after surgery. Nobody wants to undergo surgery they don’t truly need.
Even if the issue is genuinely related to the elbow, and you don’t respond to physical therapy, surgery isn’t the only solution for tennis elbow. Research and clinical experience have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can effectively treat most patients with this condition.
It’s important to recognize that the location of pain may not necessarily correspond to the actual source of the problem. If you experience throbbing or tightness in your arm and treatment targeting that area proves ineffective, consult your doctor for a thorough examination of your neck before considering invasive surgery.
Examination and Treatment
While most patients are well-acquainted with the concepts of joints, tendons, and ligaments, nerves and muscles often remain somewhat mysterious. To address issues related to arm throbbing, a comprehensive examination is necessary, encompassing all muscles and nerves from the neck through the arm. This isn’t the typical “Can you feel this?” neurological exam that’s commonly performed.
Instead, it involves a thorough assessment to determine if you can feel the same amount of sensation at one site compared to the opposite side or a different site on the same side. This approach helps track the source of arm throbbing back to its origin in the neck. MVM Health physicians utilize the SANS approach, which focuses on stability, articulation, neuromuscular status, and symmetry.
Taking a proactive approach to address minor issues, such as the nerve in the neck causing arm throbbing and tightness, can be highly effective. Physical therapy or a program to enhance your biomechanics is a great initial step. If these measures don’t yield results, autologous biologic injections like platelet growth factors have shown promise in addressing the problem before it escalates.
In the case of a throbbing arm caused by a neck nerve issue, a precise fluoroscopic guided minimally invasive injection of growth factors isolated from your own blood platelets is a potential treatment. Platelet growth factors play a crucial role in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stimulating local stem cells to activate and repair the affected area.
Being Proactive
In today’s fast-paced world, people often pay more attention to their phones than their bodies. However, listening to your body’s warning signals can be the difference between enjoying an active lifestyle at the age of 80 or struggling to walk. Your health is your most valuable asset, and understanding the connection between your neck and arm throbbing is a crucial step toward maintaining it.
Conclusion
Arm throbbing may seem like a minor concern, but it can be an indication of more significant issues related to your neck and nerves. Taking a proactive approach to addressing these problems and considering non-invasive treatments can save you from unnecessary surgeries and prolonged discomfort. Your body’s signals are worth paying attention to, so don’t ignore them.
FAQs
1. Can neck problems really cause arm throbbing?
Yes, neck problems can lead to referred pain in the arm, resulting in throbbing, tightness, and discomfort.
2. What is the referred-pain phenomenon?
The referred-pain phenomenon refers to the perception of pain in one part of the body, originating from a different location. In the case of arm throbbing, it can be caused by issues in the neck.
3. Is surgery always necessary for conditions like tennis elbow?
No, surgery is not always necessary. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments have proven effective for many patients with conditions like tennis elbow.
4. How can I be proactive about my health and arm throbbing issues?
Start with a comprehensive examination that includes an assessment of your neck and arm muscles and nerves. Consider non-invasive treatments like physical therapy and regenerative medicine.
5. Why is it essential to pay attention to your body’s warning signals?
Ignoring these signals can lead to more severe health issues down the line. Paying attention to your body’s messages can help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
