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Brachial Plexus
The brachial plexus (BP) is the network of neurological tissue which is composed of
nerve roots
and nerve fibers originating from the C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 vertebral levels. This is the group of nerve tissue implicated as causing TOS or
thoracic outlet syndrome.
The neurological and vascular structures in this sensitive area are often implicated in
BP pain syndromes.
Brachial Nerve Plexus Facts
The BP is responsible for providing nerve energy to large areas of the upper body, including parts of the neck, head, shoulders, torso, arms and hands. There are also major circulatory structures in the region in the form of the subclavian artery and subclavian vein. Sometimes, these blood vessels are also implicated in a TOS pain condition. Damage to the highly sensitive BP tissues will affect the upper body and especially the functionality of the arms and hands. Typical symptoms of trauma to any or all of the BP nerve structures include
upper back pain,
neck pain,
tingling,
numbness
and
weakness
in affected areas of the upper torso or upper extremities.
Brachial Plexus Information
A pinched nerve
in the BP is a very common diagnosis. Although this scenario is possible and is more likely when obvious trauma is involved, many suspected instances of TOS are very often
misdiagnosed.
Be especially careful of
chronic upper back pain
or
chronic neck pain
which does not respond well to appropriate treatment options. This type of
unresolved back pain
often denotes a misdiagnosed symptomatic condition. Regional
ischemia
of the BP area can produce alarmingly similar results to severe trauma and might exist for idiopathic reasons or due to the
trigger effect
from an accident or perceived
back injury.
For these cases,
knowledge therapy
should be investigated as a potential alternative cure for the pain.
Brachial Plexus to Back Pain Home
1/21/09 Revised 11/3/09
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