Brachial PLexus Neuralgia

Brachial Plexus Neuralgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Have you ever experienced sharp, radiating pain in your shoulder or arm that seems to come out of nowhere? It could be a sign of brachial plexus neuralgia, a condition affecting the network of nerves in your shoulder, arm, and hand. This condition can cause significant discomfort and limit your ability to move freely, but the good news is that most cases improve with proper care. Let’s break down what you need to know about brachial plexus neuralgia, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Is Brachial Plexus Neuralgia?

Brachial plexus neuralgia occurs when the brachial plexus—a bundle of nerves that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand—becomes irritated or inflamed. This irritation can result in sharp pain, weakness, or other symptoms that interfere with your daily activities.

What Causes Brachial Plexus Neuralgia?

Several factors can lead to brachial plexus neuralgia, including:

• Nerve Irritation or Compression: Pressure on the nerves due to injury, repetitive movements, or tight muscles.

• Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries that affect the shoulder or neck region.

• Inflammation: Conditions like infections or autoimmune responses can trigger inflammation of the nerve.

• Overuse or Strain: Repetitive overhead motions or heavy lifting may irritate the brachial plexus.

Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Neuralgia

The most common symptom is sharp, shooting pain in the shoulder or arm. Other symptoms may include:

• Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand

• Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand

• Burning or aching sensations

• Difficulty performing everyday tasks like lifting or gripping objects

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, often depending on the underlying cause.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can diagnose brachial plexus neuralgia through:

• A thorough review of your symptoms and medical history

• Physical exams to assess strength, range of motion, and sensation

• Imaging studies like MRI or ultrasound to rule out other conditions

• Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function

Treatment Options

Most cases of brachial plexus neuralgia respond well to conservative care. Here are the key treatment approaches:

1. Pain Management

• Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

• Heat or ice packs may also provide relief.

2. Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy

• Manual Therapy: Adjustments and soft tissue techniques can alleviate nerve irritation and improve mobility.

• Targeted Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises are crucial for restoring function and preventing recurrence.

• Nerve Mobilization: Techniques to improve nerve movement and reduce sensitivity.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Work on your lifting mechanics at work or while working out.

• Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms.

• Incorporate ergonomic changes at work or home to reduce strain on the shoulder and neck.

4. Other Interventions (If Necessary)

• In rare cases, more advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered, but these are typically a last resort.

Prognosis: What to Expect

With early and consistent treatment, the outlook for brachial plexus neuralgia is excellent. Most patients see significant improvements within weeks to months, especially when using conservative care methods like chiropractic and physiotherapy. Full recovery depends on the severity of the condition and adherence to a personalized care plan.

When to Seek Help

If you experience persistent shoulder or arm pain, weakness, or numbness, it’s important to seek professional care. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help you recover faster.

Final Thoughts

Brachial plexus neuralgia can be a frustrating condition, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. At Base Camp Chiropractic and Sports Rehab, we specialize in helping outdoor and adventure athletes recover from injuries and return to the activities they love. Our tailored, hands-on care focuses on long-term solutions to keep you moving pain-free.

If you’re struggling with shoulder or arm pain, reach out today to learn how we can help. Your path from pain to performance starts here.

Dr Mark Murdoch

Chiropractor, MS Sports Medicine

Hip pointer injuries: what they are and what to do about them

Understanding Hip Pointer Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips for Active Lifestyles

If you’ve ever taken a hard fall while snowboarding or collided during a soccer game, you know how painful hip injuries can be. A hip pointer injury, caused by a direct blow to the iliac crest (the bony part of your pelvis), is one such injury that can derail your active lifestyle. This blog will help you understand what a hip pointer injury is, how to recover, and why seeking professional care like chiropractic and physiotherapy is essential for a full recovery.

What is a Hip Pointer Injury?
A hip pointer injury is essentially a deep bruise or contusion to the iliac crest. It occurs when trauma compresses soft tissues against the bone. This type of injury is especially common in high-impact sports like soccer, football, and snowboarding, where falls and collisions are frequent.

Snowboarding and Hip Pointer Injuries
Snowboarders are particularly vulnerable to hip pointers. Hard falls onto icy slopes or misjudged landings can lead to significant trauma to the hip. Protective gear like padded shorts can reduce the risk, but accidents happen, and knowing how to manage this injury is key.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Sharp, localized pain over the hipbone.

• Bruising and swelling at the site of impact.

• Difficulty walking, twisting, or bending without pain.

• Muscle spasms in nearby hip or abdominal muscles.

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters:
While hip pointer injuries are often straightforward, it’s important to rule out more severe conditions like fractures or hip joint damage. Chiropractors and physiotherapists are well-equipped to assess the injury, identify underlying issues, and create a recovery plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options:
Many hip pointer injuries respond well to conservative care, but not all treatments are created equal.

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that put stress on the injured area.

2. Ice for Pain Relief: Ice can help numb the area and reduce pain, but it does not reduce inflammation. Pain relief allows you to focus on effective treatments like manual therapy and rehab exercises.

3. Chiropractic and Physiotherapy: These therapies are essential for restoring mobility, addressing soft tissue damage, and preventing compensatory movement patterns that could lead to future injuries.

   • Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve alignment.

   • Guided exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility.

4. Compression and Support: Use wraps or padding to protect the area while healing.

Rehabilitation: Moving from Pain to Performance
Chiropractors and physiotherapists don’t just treat the injury—they guide you through recovery. A typical rehab plan for a hip pointer injury might include:

• Gentle mobility exercises to restore movement.

• Strengthening the hip flexors, glutes, and core to stabilize the pelvis.

• Gradual return to activities like snowboarding or running with proper movement mechanics.

When to Seek Professional Care:
If pain persists for more than a few days, or you notice severe swelling, numbness, or weakness in your leg, seek care immediately. Chiropractors and physiotherapists can identify hidden issues and help you avoid setbacks in your recovery.

Preventing Hip Pointer Injuries:

• For Snowboarders: Wear padded shorts and practice falls to reduce impact.

• Build core and hip strength to better absorb trauma.

• Warm up and stretch before activities to improve flexibility.

Conclusion:
A hip pointer injury might slow you down, but with proper care, including chiropractic and physiotherapy, you can recover fully and return to your favourite activities—whether it's snowboarding, soccer, or just staying active. By addressing the root cause and focusing on functional recovery, you’ll not only heal faster but also prevent future injuries.

If you’re dealing with hip pain or need guidance for recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you navigate the process.

Meralgia paresthetica

What is Meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia Paresthetica: That Weird Outer Thigh Pain (and What You Can Do About It)

Ever notice a strange pain, numbness, or tingling sensation on the outer part of your thigh — and no clue where it’s coming from? Maybe it feels like burning. Maybe it’s sharp or achy. Or maybe your skin just feels “off,” like it’s asleep or overly sensitive to touch.

That cluster of weird, uncomfortable sensations could be something called meralgia paresthetica.

Let’s make it simple: meralgia paresthetica happens when a nerve called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve gets compressed or irritated. This nerve doesn’t control muscle — it just gives feeling to the skin on the outside of your thigh. But when it gets compressed, the symptoms can be frustrating and even distracting during movement.

What It Feels Like:

• Burning or sharp pain on the outer thigh

• Numbness or a “dead” sensation

• Achiness or pressure, especially when standing or walking

• Hypersensitivity — sometimes even your pants feel irritating

• Tingling or buzzing, like your thigh is asleep but never quite wakes up

The location is almost always the same: the outside of the thigh, from the hip down toward the knee. Symptoms can vary a bit, but they usually get worse with standing, walking, or repetitive hip flexion — think long hikes, running, or even prolonged sitting with your hips bent.

Why It Happens

Meralgia paresthetica is usually caused by pressure on the nerve as it passes through the groin area. Tight clothing, belts, running packs, pregnancy, weight changes, or scar tissue from past surgeries can all play a role. Active folks aren’t immune — especially runners, cyclists, and hikers who spend lots of time in hip-flexed positions.

Our Approach: Calm it Down, Then Build it Back Up

At Base Camp, we don’t just chase symptoms. We dig into what’s driving the nerve irritation and build a plan to resolve it — not just temporarily, but long term.

1. RESET
First, we reduce irritation. That might involve modifying activities, unloading the nerve through positioning, and using manual therapy to address surrounding tissue tension. We’ll also look at gear that might be contributing — belts, packs, waistbands — and offer alternatives.

2. RESTORE
Next, we address the mechanical factors. That includes hip mobility, core control, glute strength, and breathing mechanics. If you’ve been bracing your core by pushing out or increasing abdominal pressure, that can contribute to nerve irritation, too.

3. RELOAD
Finally, we bring you back to the activities you care about — with better movement, more strength, and more resilience. Whether that’s trail running, backpacking, or biking, we build a plan that restores performance and keeps symptoms from coming back.

Meralgia paresthetica can be stubborn — but it’s absolutely treatable. If it’s been sticking around for a few weeks or keeps flaring up when you push your training, it might be time for a better plan.

We help outdoor athletes like you solve pain and get back to doing what you love. Not just temporarily — but for good.

Flexor Hallucis Muscle Strains: Causes, Recovery, and Treatment Options

Flexor hallucis muscle strains, while not as commonly discussed as hamstring or calf strains, can significantly impact movement and quality of life—especially for runners, dancers, and other active individuals. Let’s break down what this injury entails, how it happens, and the steps you can take to recover effectively.

What is the Flexor Hallucis Muscle?

The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) is a muscle in the lower leg that plays a key role in controlling your big toe. It allows you to push off during walking, running, or jumping and stabilizes your foot during movement. Despite its small size, the FHL is critical for activities requiring balance and power.

A strain in this muscle happens when the fibers are overstretched or torn, which can range from a mild pull to a more significant tear.

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How Do Flexor Hallucis Strains Happen?

The most common causes include:

- **Overuse:** Repetitive motion, such as running or jumping, can lead to microtrauma in the muscle.

- **Biomechanics:** Issues like overpronation (rolling your foot inward) or tight calves can put extra strain on the FHL.

- **Acute injury:** A sudden, forceful movement can overstretch the muscle, leading to a strain.

Athletes, particularly runners, dancers, and those involved in sports requiring rapid direction changes, are most at risk for this type of injury.

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Symptoms to Watch For

- Pain or tenderness along the inner side of the lower leg or ankle.

- Swelling or inflammation in the area.

- Difficulty pushing off the ground or pointing your toes.

- Pain that increases with activity but may lessen with rest.

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Diagnosis and Imaging

Diagnosing a flexor hallucis muscle strain often starts with a physical examination. A healthcare provider will assess your pain, range of motion, and strength.

In some cases, imaging can help:

- **Ultrasound:** Useful for detecting tears or inflammation in the muscle.

- **MRI:** Provides a detailed look at soft tissues, which can help confirm the diagnosis if the strain is severe.

For most mild-to-moderate strains, imaging isn’t necessary unless symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.

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Treatment and Recovery Options

1. Conservative Care: The Foundation of Recovery

Most flexor hallucis strains respond well to conservative care. This includes:

- Rest: Allow the muscle to heal by avoiding activities that exacerbate pain.

- Compression and elevation: Support the area and reduce inflammation.

2. Rehabilitation and Exercise

Rehabilitation is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and function. A well-rounded rehab plan might include:

- **Stretching:** Gentle stretches to improve calf and ankle flexibility, reducing strain on the FHL.

- **Strengthening exercises:** Targeting not only the FHL but also the surrounding muscles to improve overall foot and leg stability.

- **Gradual return to activity:** Slowly reintroducing movements like running or jumping to build tolerance.

Working with a rehab professional ensures exercises are tailored to your injury and activity goals.

3. Manual Therapy

Techniques like soft tissue mobilization or dry needling can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and support recovery.

4. Footwear Adjustments

Wearing supportive shoes or orthotics can offload the strain on the FHL, especially if poor biomechanics contributed to the injury.

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How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the strain:

- Mild strain: 2-4 weeks with consistent rehab and rest.

- Moderate strain: 4-8 weeks, requiring a more structured rehab program.

- Severe strain: Several months, especially if a significant tear occurred.

The key to recovery is patience and consistency with your rehab plan. While it’s tempting to return to full activity quickly, rushing can lead to setbacks.

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Why Conservative Care is the Best Starting Point

For most flexor hallucis strains, conservative care is highly effective. Surgery is rarely needed unless there’s a complete tear, which is uncommon. By focusing on rest, rehabilitation, and proper biomechanics, you can not only recover but also prevent future injuries.

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Optimistic Outcomes: Get Back to Doing What You Love

While flexor hallucis muscle strains can be frustrating, they don’t have to sideline you permanently. With the right care and guidance, you can make a full recovery and return to your favorite activities stronger than before.

If you’re experiencing pain or suspect an injury, don’t hesitate to seek help. A thorough assessment and personalized rehab plan can set you on the path to recovery and long-term success.

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out today to start your recovery journey.

Understanding Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injuries: Causes, Rehab, and Recovery

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a critical structure in your wrist that acts like a cushion and stabilizer. Located on the pinky side of the wrist, it connects your forearm bones (radius and ulna) and plays a vital role in wrist stability, especially during twisting, gripping, or weight-bearing activities.

If you've been diagnosed with a TFCC injury—or suspect one—you might feel concerned about your wrist’s future. This post will break down what you need to know, focusing on how injuries happen, rehabilitation options, and imaging choices. While TFCC injuries can be tricky, with the right approach, recovery is very achievable.

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What Is the TFCC and How Do Injuries Happen?

The TFCC is a complex structure made up of cartilage and ligaments. Think of it as the "shock absorber" on the outer side of your wrist. It stabilizes your wrist during motions like:

- Rotation (turning a doorknob).

- Weight-bearing (pushing up from a chair).

- Grip-intensive tasks (carrying groceries or using tools).

How TFCC Injuries Happen:

1. Trauma:

Sudden injuries, such as falling on an outstretched hand, can tear the TFCC.

2. Repetitive Stress:

Activities like racquet sports, weightlifting, or even prolonged typing can gradually wear down the TFCC.

3. Degeneration:

Over time, natural wear and tear (often starting after age 30) can weaken the TFCC, making it more susceptible to injury.

Common Symptoms:

- Pain on the pinky side of your wrist.

- Clicking or catching sensations when moving your wrist.

- Weakness during gripping or twisting motions.

- Swelling or tenderness near the wrist.

Imaging Options for Diagnosing TFCC Injuries

If a healthcare provider suspects a TFCC injury, imaging can confirm the diagnosis:

1. X-rays:

While they won’t show the TFCC directly, they can rule out fractures or joint alignment issues.

2. MRI:

This is the gold standard for viewing soft tissue injuries, including the TFCC. Adding contrast dye (an MRI arthrogram) can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

3. Ultrasound:

A less expensive and accessible option to visualize certain TFCC tears, especially in skilled hands.

Your provider will decide which imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms and physical exam findings.

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Rehabilitation: The Cornerstone of Recovery

Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and function while minimizing pain. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Protect and Calm

- In the early stages, you’ll focus on protecting the wrist. This may include wearing a brace or splint to limit motion and allow healing.

- Manual therapy and specific exercises can help calm pain and reduce inflammation.

2. Restore Strength and Mobility

- Gentle range-of-motion exercises will help maintain flexibility without stressing the TFCC.

- Gradually, strengthening exercises are introduced to rebuild support in the wrist and forearm.

3. Reload the Wrist

- Once pain decreases, you’ll work on loading the wrist with functional movements that mimic your daily activities or sports.

- Balance between progression and avoiding aggravation is critical.

**Sample Exercises**:

- **Wrist curls and extensions** using light resistance bands.

- **Supination/pronation drills** to improve rotation strength.

- **Grip strength training** with tools like putty or hand grippers.

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Conservative Care: The First Line of Defense

For most TFCC injuries, surgery isn’t the first step. Conservative care is often highly effective, especially if you catch the injury early.

Why Conservative Care Works:

- Tissue Healing: The outer part of the TFCC has better blood supply, making it more responsive to rest and rehab.

- Rehabilitation: Proper strengthening and mobility exercises can restore function and reduce strain on the TFCC.

- Avoiding Surgery Risks: Rehabilitation allows you to avoid the potential complications of surgery, such as stiffness or prolonged downtime.

When Surgery Might Be Considered: If conservative care hasn’t improved symptoms after several months, or if the TFCC is completely torn in a way that causes instability, your provider may discuss surgical options.

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Be Realistic, But Stay Optimistic

Recovery from a TFCC injury depends on several factors, including:

- Severity of the injury: Partial tears or wear-and-tear injuries generally heal better than complete tears.

- How quickly you start treatment**: The earlier you address the injury, the better your chances of avoiding long-term issues.

- Consistency in rehab: Following a structured plan is key to success.

Most people with TFCC injuries can return to their favourite activities with time and effort. While the process might take several weeks to months, the goal is always to restore pain-free function without needing surgery.

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Key Takeaways

1. Understand the TFCC: It’s a crucial stabilizer in your wrist, and injuries often happen due to trauma, repetitive strain, or aging.

2. Don’t Skip Rehab: Conservative care, including targeted exercises and protection, is your best shot at recovery.

3. Be Patient: Healing takes time, but with the right approach, you can regain strength and mobility.

If you’re struggling with wrist pain that’s holding you back, seek help from a professional trained in conservative care and rehabilitation. The path to recovery might feel long, but each step brings you closer to doing what you love without limitations.

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For more guidance or support, reach out to schedule a consultation—we’re here to help!

-Dr Mark Murdoch, Chiropractor, MS Sports Medicine