Key Info:
- Minimally invasive treatments can reduce symptoms for several months
- Brachialgia is a self-limiting condition and only a small proportion of patients need invasive treatments.
- Investigations to rule out a sinister cause of pain
- Condition typically waxes and wanes with time
“Please ask us, if you need more information, at the time of Pain Consultation. Your GP or Practice Pharmacist could be able to advise you further if needed”
Brachialgia:
• Commonest cause of arm pain and weakness• Sharp shooting pain in C6, C7 or C8 nerve distribution
• Mostly one-sided
• Disabling pain shooting down the arm.
• Crampy pain in the arm and forearm
• Aggravated by fall, trauma, lifting heavyweight
• Caused by: Cervical Spinal foraminal stenosis, Cervical Disc degeneration, Osteoporosis, Spondylolisthesis, Surgery, Sensitised nerves, Tumour, Infection, Faulty Pain Modulation
Conditions mimicking Brachialgia:
• Cervical Facet Joint Pain• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• CRPS
Investigations:
• MRI• X-Ray
• Diagnostic nerve root block
Conservative management:
• Management of Osteoporosis• Physiotherapy
• Low impact exercises
• NSAIDs
• Amitriptyline/ Nortriptyline
• Duloxetine / Venlafaxine • Pregabalin
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
• Nerve Root Injection/ Epidural• Cervical Transforaminal Epidural
• PRF of Nerve Roots
• Spinal Cord Stimulation