When it comes to the human body in motion, the arms can carry, lift, and move items from one place to another without pain. The arms have different muscles that work together to protect the arm and shoulder joints while providing mobility and movement. One of the muscles that help the arms carry items is the brachialis muscles, which work together with the bicep and tricep muscles. As part of the forearm, it can succumb to various injuries affecting the muscle, tendons, and ligaments. When this happens, referred pain can affect the arm and develop trigger points to overlap chronic conditions that can potentially cause more pain. Today’s article looks at the brachialis muscle’s function, how trigger points affect the muscle, and various ways to manage brachialis trigger points. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in arm pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the brachialis muscles along the upper arms. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great solution to asking our providers profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC takes note of this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Brachialis Muscle Function?
Have you been experiencing muscle strain in your forearms? What about stiffness in your wrist? Or do your arm muscles begin to spasm out of nowhere? Many people who have experienced these pain symptoms might be caused by trigger points associated with the brachialis muscle. The brachialis is an important muscle that flexes the forearm at the elbow. This muscle works with the biceps as it can carry heavy items, like the deltoid, and is the opposite of the tricep muscles. However, it can become overused and succumb to injuries that can invoke pain in the arm muscles, thus leading to the development of trigger points along the brachialis muscle.
How Does Trigger Points Affect The Brachialis Muscle?
When the brachialis muscle becomes injured, many people will experience pain when flexing their elbows inward or outward. According to Dr. Travell, M.D., these pain symptoms may be due to referred pain and tenderness from brachialis trigger points or radial nerve entrapment. During heaving lifting, the forearm flexion stress overload activates trigger points along the brachialis. Studies reveal that excessive sudden physical stress or repetitive activities may result from a muscle sprain or tear in the brachialis muscle. To that point, these symptoms associated with trigger points can cause overlapping risk profiles that can mask the condition. Some of the conditions that can overlap and activate trigger points include:
Carrying heavy groceries
Holding power tools
Tennis elbow
Playing a string instrument
Studies also reveal that active trigger points along the affected muscle can increase weight coefficients and alter motor control without co-contraction patterns. This is due to trigger points becoming tricky to diagnose and mimic other conditions affecting the arms’ muscle group. Many people with pain-like symptoms associated with trigger points often complain about numbness or deep pain in their arms and hands. To that point, trigger points can also be involved with nerve entrapment in the brachialis muscles.
The Brachialis Trigger Points Release-Video
Have you been experiencing stiffness in your hands and arms? What about muscle spasms near your elbow? Or does constant pain affect your forearm muscles when you bend your arm? Many of these symptoms are associated with trigger points affecting the brachialis muscle that is causing pain in the forearms. Trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome can affect a person’s well-being by impairing their mobility in the affected areas, causing pain, and even reducing their overall sense of life. Trigger points affecting the brachialis muscles can mimic chronic conditions like nerve entrapment that can affect the motor function of the forearm. Luckily, trigger points are treatable, and there are ways to reduce the pain-like symptoms from the affected brachialis muscles. The video above shows how to treat trigger points along the forearm. Incorporating non-invasive treatments to reduce future trigger points to form can reduce the pain symptoms and release the trapped nerves that are causing motor function problems in the arms.
Ways To Manage Brachialis Trigger Points
As stated earlier, trigger points are tricky to diagnose since they can mimic other chronic conditions along the affected muscles. When the affected muscle succumbs to injuries and is not treated, it can develop tiny knots along the taut muscle band fibers known as trigger points over time. To that point, it can cause referred pain-like symptoms along the muscle group. Luckily, treatments can help reduce pain-like symptoms and prevent trigger points from forming along the muscle fibers. Studies reveal that trigger point injections are one of the various treatments that can help reduce pain in the brachialis muscle. With gentle stretching and physical therapy, allow mobility back to the arm. One way to manage brachialis trigger points that many people can use is to place a pillow at the angle of the elbow to prevent the arms from tightening or use a hot pack to relax the forearm muscles to relieve muscle strain and aches. Another way is not to overuse their forearms when playing an instrument or carrying items on their forearms. This can prevent trigger points from forming in the future and reduce pain-like symptoms from affecting the forearms.
Conclusion
The brachialis is the main muscle that is important to the forearms. This large muscle works with the bicep and tricep muscles to help the host carry heavy objects while bending at the elbows. However, like all the muscles in the body, the brachialis muscles can succumb to injuries and develop trigger points along the brachialis muscle fiber bands. Trigger points along the brachialis muscle are associated with pain-like symptoms that can mimic conditions like tennis elbow or nerve entrapment in the forearms. Fortunately, various treatments are utilized by doctors to help many patients dealing with trigger points along the brachialis muscle and can help reduce pain in the forearms. This allows mobility back to the arms and prevents future trigger points from forming.
References
Geri, Tommaso, et al. “Myofascial Trigger Points Alter the Modular Control during the Execution of a Reaching Task: A Pilot Study.” Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group UK, 5 Nov. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6831581/.
Plantz, Mark A, and Bruno Bordoni. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Brachialis Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 22 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551630/.
Sharma, Pankaj, et al. “Isolated Traumatic Brachialis Muscle Tear: A Case Report and Review of Literature.” Bulletin of Emergency and Trauma, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Oct. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694606/.
Suh, Mi Ri, et al. “Ultrasound-Guided Myofascial Trigger Point Injection into Brachialis Muscle for Rotator Cuff Disease Patients with Upper Arm Pain: A Pilot Study.” Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine, Oct. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4221396/.
Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory, immune-mediated diseases that cause chronic low back pain, inflammation, irritating aches, and pains. The conditions mostly affect the spine but can affect joints in the arms, legs, hips, skin, eyes, and intestines. Spondylitis types can significantly affect daily function, physical activity and compromise bone health.
Spondylitis Types
The main types include:
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
Enteropathic arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Juvenile spondylitis
Undifferentiated spondylitis
Axial Spondylitis vs. Peripheral Spondylitis Types
Axial means relating to the body’s central region, as in the trunk and head.
Axial spondyloarthritis is arthritis and inflammation in the hips and spine.
The condition starts before age 45.
The pain typically starts in the low back but can begin in the neck or other regions.
Characterized by back pain, usually in the lower back and/or buttocks.
Morning back stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer.
Sacroiliac joint inflammation can also present.
The back pain gradually progresses.
Lasts longer than three months.
Improves with physical movement, not with rest.
Peripheral spondyloarthritis is arthritis and inflammatory pain in the peripheral joints and tendons and does not include the spine.
Individuals can have peripheral and axial spondylitis symptoms simultaneously.
Diagnosis depends on whether symptoms are primarily peripheral or axial.
Spondylitis and Spondylosis
Spondylosis and spondylitis are similar in they cause pain and inflammation in the back and hips. The difference is in each condition’s triggers.
Spondylitis is a disease in which the body’s immune system degrades joints, causes inflammation, overproduces bone formation, and causes bone fusion.
Spondylosis is a category of arthritis that presents as the spine ages from normal wear and tear.
It happens during the degeneration of the spine’s discs and joints.
It also presents when bone spurs develop on the spine’s vertebrae.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the spine, other joints, and body regions. The condition causes spinal joint inflammation causing extreme discomfort and chronic pain. In some cases, the inflammation progresses to ankylosis, where spine sections fuse and become immobile. Other body areas that can trigger inflammation include:
The ribs
Heels
Shoulders
Hips
Small joints of the feet and hands.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms vary from person to person. Common early symptoms include:
There is general discomfort, appetite loss, and mild fever early in the condition.
Persistent stiffness and pain in the buttocks and low back, gradually progressing over a couple of weeks or months.
The pain and stiffness can travel into the neck and spine within months or years.
The pain is usually spread out and dull.
The stiffness and pain are worse in the morning and night and improve with light exercise or a warm shower.
The pain typically becomes chronic, lasts for a minimum of 3 months, and can be felt on both sides.
Tenderness and pain in the hips, thighs, shoulder blades, heels, and ribs may also occur.
Treatment approaches include applications of ice and heat to reduce swelling, increase circulation, and decrease joint pain, posture exercises, stretches, physical therapy, and medication.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis causes swelling, pain, and inflammation in the small joints of the hands and feet; however, the joints of the knees, ankles, and wrists can also be affected. Psoriasis is a rash that causes scaly skin patches.
Individuals can develop dactylitis when a finger or toe swells between the surrounding joints.
Spinal stiffness and pain can present.
Typically the ends of the finger joints are most affected and experience pain and inflammation.
Medications frequently utilized to treat ankylosing spondylitis can be used.
Exercise helps preserve the range of motion and maintain strength.
Isometric exercises work muscles without joint motion reducing the risk of further injury to inflamed joints.
Occupational and physical therapy can significantly assist in optimizing arthritic joint function.
Enteropathic Spondylitis
Enteropathic Arthritis is chronic inflammatory arthritis linked to inflammatory bowel disease. The most recognized are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
The peripheral limb joints and sometimes the whole spine are the most prevalent body areas afflicted with enteropathic spondylitis.
The main symptom is intestine inflammation, including bowel and joint pain and/or inflammatory back pain.
Other symptoms can include weight loss, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and/or chronic diarrhea.
Managing enteropathic arthritis typically means managing the underlying bowel disease.
Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
Juvenile spondyloarthritis is a group of childhood rheumatic diseases that cause arthritis before age 16 and can continue through adulthood. Juvenile spondyloarthritis encompasses:
Enteropathic arthritis
Enthesitis-related arthritis
Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis
Juvenile spondyloarthritis causes inflammation and pain in joints in the lower body, like the ankles, hips, knees, and pelvis. Other body areas that could be affected include:
The bowels
Eyes
Skin
Spine
Lethargy and fatigue can also present. The symptoms can be unpredictable and episodic, appearing and disappearing without a specific cause. The condition cycles between flare-ups and remission. Common treatment approaches include:
Medication
Exercise
Posture training
Physical therapy, medication
Ice and heat to decrease joint pain and relax muscles.
In severe cases, surgery could be recommended.
Reactive Arthritis or Reiter’s Syndrome
Reactive arthritis is arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in the mucous membranes, bladder, skin, joints, eyes, and genitals.
Reactive arthritis is believed to be a reaction to an infection, usually in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract.
Reactive arthritis does not affect the sacroiliac joints and spine in most cases.
Reactive arthritis is typically treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, and rheumatoid arthritis medications.
A physician could prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection brought on reactive arthritis.
Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis
Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis is where the signs and symptoms of spondylitis don’t meet the criteria for a specific rheumatoid disorder. Individuals diagnosed with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis will have one or more of the symptoms that include:
Fatigue
Back inflammation
Back pain
Buttock pain that alternates or presents on both sides.
Swollen toes or fingers
Heel pain
Arthritis in the small joints.
Arthritis in the large limb joints.
Enthesitis or inflammation where the ligament or tendon connects to the bone.
Eye inflammation
Individuals can also present symptoms of other spondylitis types, like psoriatic or ankylosing.
Treatment approaches include:
Exercise
Physical therapy
Posture training
Ice and heat to decrease joint pain and loosen up muscles.
Spondylitis Types Diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis
References
Carron, Philippe, et al. “Peripheral spondyloarthritis: a neglected entity-state of the art.” RMD open vol. 6,1 (2020): e001136. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2019-001136
Gill, Tejpal, et al. “The intestinal microbiome in spondyloarthritis.” Current opinion in rheumatology vol. 27,4 (2015): 319-25. doi:10.1097/BOR.0000000000000187
Rosenbaum, James T. “The eye in spondyloarthritis✰.” Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism vol. 49,3S (2019): S29-S31. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2019.09.014
Seo, Mi Ryoung et al. “Delayed diagnosis is linked to worse outcomes and unfavorable treatment responses in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.” Clinical rheumatology vol. 34,8 (2015): 1397-405. doi:10.1007/s10067-014-2768-y
Sharip, Aigul, and Jeannette Kunz. “Understanding the Pathogenesis of Spondyloarthritis.” Biomolecules vol. 10,10 1461. 20 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/biom10101461
The upper arms allow the individual to move the arms, hands, and fingers, enabling them to do everyday activities without feeling pain or injuries. Different muscles in the upper arms allow precise movements, from threading a needle to throwing a ball across the field. These muscles also work with the shoulders, allowing a full range of motion and flexion. One of the muscles that help the upper arms is the bicep brachii, which provide flexion to the arm. However, like all the muscles in the body, they can succumb to pain caused by trigger points. Today’s article looks at the bicep muscles’ function, how trigger points affect the muscles, and how to manage trigger points associated with the bicep muscles. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in arm pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the bicep brachii muscles along the upper arms. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great solution to asking our providers profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC takes note of this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Are The Bicep Muscles Function?
Have you been dealing with radiating pain down to your elbow? Do your upper arm muscle ache when carrying items from place to place? Or have you experienced muscle spasms in your arms and hands? Many people experiencing these symptoms might risk developing trigger points along their bicep muscles. The bicep brachii is a large, thick muscle that covers the joints and is located in the upper arms. The bicep muscle consists of two attachments: the short head (caput breve) and the ling head (caput longum). It works together with the coracobrachialis muscle to support stability to the shoulders.
Studies reveal that these two muscle bands work together to provide multiple actions between the shoulder and elbow joints by being in conjunction with the other muscles. The main function of the bicep muscles is that it is one of the three muscles that can flex the elbow and shoulders. The biceps also allow flexion and supination or outward rotation of the forearms at 90 degrees. This muscle is very important for athletes that require lifting, carrying, or throwing and can make the individual stronger. To that point, the bicep muscle can also succumb to injuries that can cause pain to the upper arms and shoulders.
How Does Trigger Points Affect The Bicep Muscles?
When the bicep muscles succumb to injuries, it can be due to overusing the long head of the bicep muscles and can lead to bicep tendon rupture. When the bicep muscle succumbs to a tendon rupture, it is due to excessive eccentric force that brings the arms to an extension rather than flexion. Other issues affecting the biceps can correlate to rotator cuff pathology and can be associated with being a common source of shoulder pain. Studies reveal that since the bicep is closely associated with the rotator cuff, tendinopathy can form due to repetitive traction, friction, and rotation of the shoulder joints. To that point, it can lead to the development of trigger points along the bicep muscles. Trigger point pain can be complicated to diagnose since it can mimic other chronic conditions. For trigger points to occur along the bicep muscles, pain-like symptoms are caused when the arm is above the shoulder. To that point, it causes symptoms of aches, stiffness, and muscle weakness in the bicep muscles.
Trigger Points Affecting The Bicep Brachii- Video
Have you experienced muscle aches and stiffness when lifting your arms above your shoulders? Do you find difficulty to bend your elbows? Or have you been experiencing radiating pain along the shoulders, arms, and hands? These pain-like symptoms are associated with trigger points along the bicep muscles and can evoke motor dysfunction in the upper arms. The video above gives an overview how trigger points affect the bicep brachii and cause symptoms like “frozen shoulder” to affect the entire arm. Studies reveal that trigger points are the most frequent causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain that causes the muscle tissue to become hyperirritable. Trigger points can also cause referred pain to the affected muscles, causing limited range of motion to the joints. When the bicep muscles are being affected by trigger points, it can cause stress on the muscle and cause hyper-extension to the arm. According to Dr. Travell, M.D., when trigger points affect the bicep brachii muscles and cause referred pain and tenderness on the ball-and-socket joint, the symptoms associated with trigger points are mistaken as a rheumatic joint disease unless the affected bicep is examined for trigger points. Thankfully, there are ways to manage trigger points associated with the bicep muscles to reduce pain in the upper arms.
Managing Trigger Points Associated With The Bicep Muscles
When individuals are suffering from pain along their bicep muscles, it can cause them to be miserable as they cannot participate in various activities that require their arms; when trigger points are formed along the taut muscle band of the bicep muscles, the radiating pain from the shoulder to the elbow, causing stiffness and muscle aches. Fortunately, various techniques can help manage trigger points associated with the bicep muscles. Studies reveal that many people can manage trigger points related to the bicep muscles to reduce shoulder pain by resting, modifying their activities, and seeking more non-invasive treatments to reduce the pain associated with the bicep muscles. Many people can do various arm and shoulder stretches to reduce the stiffness of the bicep muscles. This allows gentle stretching along the upper arm muscles and releases tension through slow, even breathing and prolonged shortening of the bicep muscles.
Conclusion
The bicep has two attachments that provide mobility and are a large thick muscle that covers the upper arm joints. The bicep muscles also work together with the coracobrachialis muscle to help support the shoulders by making them stable. When the bicep muscles become overused and succumb to injuries, they can develop trigger points along the bicep muscles, causing referred pain to the arms and shoulders. When this happens, the muscles become stiff and can become painful when doing simple actions like lifting their arms or playing a sport. When this happens, many individuals become miserable since they can’t participate. Fortunately, various techniques can help reduce the pain symptoms in the arms and prevent future injuries. Gentle stretching and muscle massages can release the trigger points from the bicep muscles and improve arm mobility to the biceps.
References
Akamatsu, Flávia Emi, et al. “Trigger Points: An Anatomical Substratum.” BioMed Research International, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355109/.
Landin, Dennis, et al. “Actions of the Biceps Brachii at the Shoulder: A Review.” Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, Elmer Press, Aug. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5505302/.
McDevitt, Amy W, et al. “Physical Therapy Interventions for the Management of Biceps Tendinopathy: An International Delphi Study.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, NASMI, 1 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9159730/.
Raney, Elise B, et al. “Pain and the Pathogenesis of Biceps Tendinopathy.” American Journal of Translational Research, e-Century Publishing Corporation, 15 June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489872/.
Tiwana, Manpreet S, et al. “Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Biceps Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519538/.
Nerve damage is also known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral nerves transmit information to and from the brain through the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Nerve damage symptoms are common in the neck, arms, hands, low back, legs, and feet. Communication becomes weakened, interrupted, or no longer transmits sensation signals. Nerve damage can be a complication from conditions like diabetes or present after an injury. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic recognize the symptoms and can treat the injuries rehabilitating the nerves back to functional health.
Nerve Damage Symptoms
Nerve damage symptoms can happen to a single nerve or a group of nerves that can affect the rest of the body. Damage depends on the severity of the condition or injury.
Partially damaged nerves can heal on their own with minimal treatment to ensure they heal correctly.
The fibers are covered with tissues that are a type of insulation.
Sometimes only the fibers get damaged.
Sometimes a nerve gets stuck or jammed inside a tight space, causing irritation and, over time, scarring.
Severe nerve damage can involve the fibers and tissues and often require surgery.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and depend on which nerve fibers are damaged. These could be the following:
Motor nerves
These nerves regulate all the muscles under conscious control.
These control motor functions like walking, talking, and grabbing and holding objects.
Damage to these nerves usually causes muscle weakness, cramps, and uncontrollable muscle twitching or spasms.
Sensory nerves
These nerves relay sensory information, including touch, taste, smell, vision, temperature, and pain.
Symptoms can include numbness or tingling.
There can also be difficulties:
Sensing pain
Sensing temperature changes.
Walking
Maintaining balance with your eyes closed.
Working with the hands.
Autonomic nerves
This group of nerves regulates unconscious actions, including breathing, heart and thyroid function, and digestion.
Symptoms include excessive sweating, blood pressure variations, inability to tolerate heat, and gastrointestinal issues.
Various symptoms can be experienced as many peripheral nerve injuries affect more than one type of nerve.
Signs
Improperly functioning nerves can cause uncomfortable or painful sensations because the nerves cannot carry the correct signals from the brain to the spinal cord. The signs of nerve damage include the following:
Feeling like you’re wearing an overly tight glove or sock constricting circulation and movement.
Numbness or tingling.
Pins and needles or what feels like mild electrical sensations.
Specific body/limb positions can cause or decrease numbness, tingling, or pins and needles.
Muscle weakness.
Dropping objects regularly.
Sharp pains in the hands, arms, low back, legs, or feet.
Restoring Function
Chiropractic treatments can help restore function and include:
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage will promote circulation to relieve numbness and tightness and help restore function and feeling.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments will realign the body and keep affected muscles and joints active.
Electrical Stimulation
Stimulators can activate injured nerves and muscles while the nerve regenerates and recovers.
Braces or Splints
These devices could be used to maintain the position of the affected limb, fingers, hand, or foot to improve muscle function and promote healing.
Exercise
Specifically, prescribed exercises will improve muscle strength, help to maintain range of motion, and reduce muscle cramps.
Diet
A nutritionist will develop a personalized anti-inflammatory diet to expedite healing.
Peripheral Therapy
References
Chen, Zhengrong. “Progress of peripheral nerve repair.” Chinese Journal of traumatology = Zhonghua Chuang Shang za Zhi vol. 5,6 (2002): 323-5.
Gordon, Tessa. “Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Axon Regeneration After Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Animal Models and Humans.” Neurotherapeutics: the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics vol. 13,2 (2016): 295-310. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0415-1
WEBB, E M. “Peripheral nerve injuries; early surgical treatment.” California medicine vol. 80,3 (1954): 151-3.
Welch, J A. “Peripheral nerve injury.” Seminars in veterinary medicine and surgery (small animal) vol. 11,4 (1996): 273-84. doi:10.1016/s1096-2867(96)80020-x
The upper extremities of the body, which include the head, neck, shoulders, chest, and arms, all have a specific job of keeping the body functioning and helping move from place to place. The head and neck work together to allow the host to have the mobility to turn, rotate from side to side, and lean from one side. The shoulders work with the arms to let the muscles have a full range of motion and even help stabilize the upper body. The shoulders have various muscles, tendons, and ligaments to protect the skeletal joints and even work to do everyday activities like carrying or lifting items. When injuries begin to affect the muscle groups of the upper body, it can lead to pain-like symptoms that can lead to chronic conditions developing over time if not treated right away. One of the muscles in the upper body is called the coracobrachialis muscle, which can be affected by injuries. Today’s article observes the coracobrachialis muscle, how trigger points affect the upper arm muscles, and how to manage trigger points associated with the coracobrachialis muscle. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in shoulder pain treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger points associated with the coracobrachialis muscles along the upper arms. We also guide and inform our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We established that education is a great solution to asking our providers profound questions the patient requests. Dr. Jimenez DC takes note of this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Coracobrachialis Muscle?
Have you been dealing with pain from the upper arms to the hands? Do simple arm and shoulder stretches seem to be difficult to do? Or have you been dealing with symptoms of pain, stiffness, or tenderness in your upper arms? Experiencing these pain-like symptoms could overlap other conditions affecting the upper arms and develop trigger points along the muscles, including the coracobrachialis. The coracobrachialis is the smallest muscle located in the front of the upper arm’s anterior that originated in the shoulder coracoid process. This small muscle is connected to the tendon located at the short head of the bicep brachii, and according to Dr. Janet Travell, M.D., the coracobrachialis muscle function helps flex and adduct the arms at the shoulders while working together with the surrounding muscles of the upper arm and shoulders. This allows the arms to move forward slightly and inward. This means that the coracobrachialis muscle will enable individuals to place their arms behind their back without pain. However, like any muscle in the body, injuries can occur in the upper arms and lead to the development of trigger points along the upper arm muscles affecting the coracobrachialis muscle.
How Trigger Points Affect The Upper Arm Muscles?
When the upper arm and the coracobrachialis muscle suffer from pain, tiny nodules along the muscle fiber bands known as trigger points can cause referred pain to the upper arms. Now trigger points are tricky to diagnose due to mimicking overlapping conditions affecting the upper arms. Studies reveal that non-specific arm pain could potentially be one of the causes that trigger points mimic due to strenuous physical activities or work-related activities that can overuse the upper arm muscles.
Studies reveal that individuals with idiopathic arm pain deal with high variable upper-extremity dysfunction, which could play a factor in pain-like symptoms along the surrounding muscles of the arms and shoulders. Many people often experience pain when reaching behind their back for the coracobrachialis affected by trigger points. Since the coracobrachialis works with the surrounding muscles in the shoulders and upper arms, trigger points associated with the coracobrachialis correspond to those muscles causing overlapping risk profiles. Trigger points affecting the coracobrachialis muscle can also mimic nerve entrapment since the coracobrachialis helps the bicep muscles when flexing. Pain associated with trigger points could potentially irritate the surrounding nerves in the muscle fibers, which causes radiating pain along the arms.
Treating The Coracobrachialis Muscle-Video
Does your arm feel stiff when trying to reach behind your back? Do your shoulders ache for no apparent reason? Or have you experienced sharp, shooting pain down your arm? Many people experience pain along their shoulders and arms, affecting their mobility to hold and carry items. They deal with overlapping symptoms associated with trigger points along the coracobrachialis muscle. Trigger points along the coracobrachialis muscle are developed when the upper arm muscles have been overused and irritate the surrounding nerves. This causes radiating referred pain down the arms and can affect a person’s ability to hold items. Thankfully there are ways to manage trigger points along the coracobrachialis and its surrounding muscles. The video above demonstrates a massage technique that works along the coracobrachialis muscle to release nerve entrapment and manage trigger points along the surrounding muscles.
Ways To Manage Trigger Points Affecting The Coracobrachialis
There are various techniques that many specialists, like chiropractors, massage therapists, and physiotherapists, can use to identify and manage trigger points in the body. Since trigger points are tricky to diagnose due to causing referred pain along the surrounding muscles, treatments like stretching, massages, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the pain and reduce future trigger points from forming. Studies reveal that pain specialists could manage trigger points associated with shoulder pain along the coracobrachialis through treatments of manual compression and other various techniques. Once treatments have been incorporated to relieve trigger point pain along the affected muscle, many people can further prevent the symptoms from returning by not lifting or carrying heavy objects and not forcing their coracobrachialis to be a substitute for their bicep muscles.
Conclusion
The coracobrachialis is a short muscle that works with the bicep muscle and helps with mobility and motor functions for the arms and shoulders. This muscle allows the arms to move forward and can be placed in the back without pain. When muscle injuries affect the surrounding muscles that work with the coracobrachialis, it can develop trigger points associated with pain along the upper arms. When this happens, it can lead to symptoms of stiffness, pain, and tenderness in the upper arms, causing mobility issues. Pain specialists for trigger points can utilize various treatments to relieve the pain and reduce the effects that trigger points cause on the affected muscle. This allows the upper arms to gain mobility back and the host to do various activities without feeling pain.
References
Bron, Carel, et al. “Treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.” BMC Medicine, BioMed Central, 24 Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039607/.
Moradi, Ali, et al. “Nonspecific Arm Pain.” The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery, Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery Co., Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151410/.
Ring, David, et al. “Idiopathic Arm Pain.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15252084/.
Tendons and Ligaments: A tendon is a fibrous flexible, strong tissue similar to a rope that attaches the muscles to the bones. Tendons allow for the movement of the body’s limbs and help prevent muscle injury by absorbing muscles’ impact when running, jumping, or performing other actions. Ligaments are bands of solid elastic tissue that connect bone to bone, hold structures together and keep them stable, support the joints and limit their movement.
Tendons and Ligaments
Tendons are strong and non-flexible.
Ligaments are flexible and elastic.
Both comprise collagen and living cells, essential in joints and bones and integral to locomotion.
Tendons allow body movement by transmitting force from muscle to bone, allowing the body to stand, walk, and jump.
Ligaments work by allowing for the full range of motion.
Ligaments are around the knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, and other joints.
Connective Tissue
The collagen connective tissue that makes up tendons and ligaments is the same; their patterns are different.
Tendon fibers are laid out in a parallel pattern.
Tendon connective tissue needs to have more elasticity to help move the muscles.
Ligament fibers are laid out in a crisscross pattern.
Ligament connective tissue stabilizes and strengthens the bones’ joint structure.
Tendon Injury
A tendon that gets overstretched or torn is known as a strain. Common areas affected by strains are the:
Leg
Foot
Back
Strains often result from repetitive work movements, intense physical activity, and sports. Individuals who overuse their bodies without proper rest and muscle repair recovery have an increased risk of injury. Symptoms include:
Inflammation
Swelling
Pain
Cramping
Weakness
Ligament Injury
A ligament that gets overstretched or torn results in a sprain. Sprains can happen suddenly from a fall, awkward movement, or trauma. Sprains commonly occur in the:
Ankle
Knee
Wrist
Examples include:
Misstep causing the ankle to twist in an awkward position, snapping a ligament and causing unstableness or wobbliness.
There could be a popping sensation or the feeling of a tear when the injury occurs.
Wrist sprains often happen when reaching out and extending the hands to break a fall, and the wrist hyperextending back.
The hyperextension overstretches the ligament.
Symptoms of a sprained ligament include:
Inflammation
Swelling
Bruising
Pain
The joint may feel loose or weak and unable to take on weight.
The intensity of symptoms varies depending on whether the ligament is overextended or torn. Sprains are classified by grade:
Grade 1 – a mild sprain with slight stretching of the ligament.
Grade 2 – a moderate ligament tear, but not a complete tear.
Grade 3 – a complete ligament tear, making the joint unstable.
Chiropractic Care
Tendons and ligaments do not receive full blood circulation like other soft tissues. Depending on the severity of the injury, and the slower transfer of oxygen and nutrients, ligament and tendon injuries can take six to twelve weeks to heal, and repeatedly stressing the injured area from overuse can extend recovery. Chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy, combined with corrective exercises and stretches, will reduce inflammation, decrease pain, improve the range of motion, increase nerve and muscle function, and strengthen the muscles. Chiropractic treatment involves:
Childress, Marc A, and Anthony Beutler. “Management of chronic tendon injuries.” American family physician vol. 87,7 (2013): 486-90.
Fenwick, Steven A et al. “The vasculature and its role in the damaged and healing tendon.” Arthritis research vol. 4,4 (2002): 252-60. doi:10.1186/ar416
Leong, Natalie L et al. “Tendon and Ligament Healing and Current Approaches to Tendon and Ligament Regeneration.” Journal of orthopedic research: official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society vol. 38,1 (2020): 7-12. doi:10.1002/jor.24475
Scalcione, Luke R et al. “The athlete’s hand: ligament and tendon injury.” Seminars in musculoskeletal radiology vol. 16,4 (2012): 338-49. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1327007
Nutritionists are medical professionals in food and nutrition and work one-on-one to develop an optimal nutrition plan for their body type, age, and health conditions. They explain the right foods to eat, how different foods impact the body, and what foods to avoid. Individuals can benefit from working with a nutritionist to help achieve a healthier lifestyle through education and healthy choices.
Working With A Nutritionist
Nutritionists work with individuals to enhance their knowledge about general nutrition, food, and health. Their focus is on food behavior, which includes developing and implementing meal plans to improve the individual’s or family’s nutrition. Nutritionists work in:
Clinical settings – hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, fitness and health, and chiropractic clinics.
Government – local health departments.
School districts – regarding school nutrition standards.
Private business – independent work in combination with other medical professionals.
Research – with various health and/or sports organizations.
Benefits
Working with a nutritionist will determine what factors are challenging an individual’s eating habits and triggers and find ways to overcome those barriers. Benefits include:
Nutrition plans are based on nutritional needs, current health, and lifestyle.
Nutrition plans cut down on grocery bills.
Shopping with a specific list cuts down on the extra foods being purchased.
Proper nutrition can help manage chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, combined with a primary care doctor or specialist treatment.
Nutritionists can help individuals dealing with food allergies or who have been diagnosed could require a diet change.
Nutritionists can help motivate when struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Responsibilities and Daily Activities
Nutritionists help individuals reach various goals, like weight loss, healthier eating habits, and stress management, and can be responsible for the following:
Evaluating health needs.
Screening for nutritional risk.
Discussing nutrition and eating habits.
Providing educational resources.
Developing personalized nutrition plans.
Talking about nutritional issues with individual families.
Discussing nutrition plans with primary doctors and other healthcare teams.
Equipping individuals with food behavior modification tools.
Adjusting plans as needed.
Monitoring progress.
Treating conditions and disease management through nutrition.
Functional Nutrition
References
Carrard, Isabelle et al. “Un outil pour évaluer les comportements alimentaires: ESSCA” [A tool for assessing eating behaviors: ESSCA]. Revue medicale suisse vol. 12,511 (2016): 591-6.
Golan, M, and A Weizman. “Reliability and validity of the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire.” European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 52,10 (1998): 771-7. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600647
Greenwood, Jessica L J, et al. “Healthy eating vital sign: a new assessment tool for eating behaviors.” ISRN obesity vol. 2012 734682. 22 Jul. 2012, doi:10.5402/2012/734682
Kelley, Claire P et al. “Behavioral Modification for the Management of Obesity.” Primary care vol. 43,1 (2016): 159-75, x. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2015.10.004
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