Therapy for radiating arm pain
Rehabilitation of radiating arm pain (Cervical Radiculopathy) condition is usually individual- based and involves education to prevent recurrence of the condition, pain relief, improving functional abilities and reducing complications.
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Therapy includes the modification of your daily activities to enhance mobilisation, flexibility and strength in order to return to your previous functional level.
Therapeutic exercises
Exercises which promote flexibility will be performed as this helps to decrease the pain and enhance the appropriate or required position that the neck and backbones should adopt during your day – to – day activities.
These exercises target the muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back to ensure that there is smooth movement at all times without pain.
Strengthening exercises also ensure that the muscles of the neck, shoulders and back are well conditioned to support the neck and back. When your muscles are strong enough, it keeps your neck and backbones well aligned at all times.
Gentle movements of the neck usually enhance pain and reduce discomfort linked to the condition as this reduces the pressure placed on the nerves in the neck region. Remember that the exercises are targeted to reduce pain and should not cause nor increase your level of pain or discomfort at any time.
• This is aimed at reducing the pain and improving the range of movement associated with the condition. The position of your head during your daily activities may precipitate pain or discomfort. Sit upright in a comfortable chair with a head rest and with both arms supported by armrests or pillows.
Gently move your head to the left side and briefly hold the position before you turn to the opposite side. Briefly hold the position. You may move your head to the side as far as you can tolerate and repeat often through the day.
• Sit upright in a comfortable chair with your head leaning against the back of the chair or sit against the wall so that the back of your head touches the wall. Gently turn your head sideways as if you want your ear to touch your shoulder. Allow the movement to go as far as you can tolerate and maintain the position briefly.
Do the same in the opposite direction and hold the position briefly too. You may perform this exercise as often as you can throughout the day. Ensure that you look straight ahead as you perform the exercise and do not pull your shoulder upwards as you turn your head sideways.
• The pain or discomfort observed in the neck may result in weakness and hence the aim to strengthen the neck muscles. You may begin this either in a sitting or standing position. Place your palm at the back of your head and gently push your head against it. Ensure that you do not move your hand backwards as your head pushes against it, resist the movement. Hold the position for 10 – 15 seconds and relax.
Next, place your hand on your forehead and push against it with your head. Briefly hold the position. Perform the same exercise by placing your hand on either ear and push against it. The exercise should not increase symptoms as you perform them.
Supportive devices (Cervical Collar)
You may be required to wear a device which provides the needed support for your neck as well as reduce sudden or rapid movements of the head. This device ensures that your neck bones are well aligned to prevent unnecessary pressure on your nerves in your neck region. There are two types – hard and soft collar – and you may have to wear one during the day and another when you sleep.
Preventing recurrence of the condition
The natural curves in your backbone ought to be maintained at all times. During the different postures that you adopt during the day, you need to ensure that the natural curves are maintained to prevent pressure in the nerves in the neck region.
For example, you need to ensure that you maintain an upright posture whenever you sit. Avoid slouching whenever you sit and excessively bending your head to read especially whenever you use your phone.
Also, avoid too much movement of the head backwards as these positions places undue pressure on the nerves around the neck region. Keeping a good posture in your daily activities reduces the risk of recurrence and also greatly decreases symptoms.
• The writer is a Senior Phisiotherapist at the 37 Military Hospital,[email protected]