Where is the brachial plexus located in the body?

Where is the brachial plexus located in the body?

The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that stems from nerve roots in the cervical (neck) and upper trunk (torso) sections of the spinal cord (C5-T1), creating a network that connects to the nerves in the arm.

Where is the brachial plexus on the spinal cord?

The brachial plexus is a network (plexus) of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the lower four cervical nerves and first thoracic nerve (C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1). This plexus extends from the spinal cord, through the cervicoaxillary canal in the neck, over the first rib, and into the armpit.

What causes brachial plexus pain?

A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord. Minor brachial plexus injuries, known as stingers or burners, are common in contact sports, such as football.

Can a brachial plexus injury heal?

Mild brachial plexus injuries may heal without treatment, but more severe injuries may require surgery to regain function in your arm or hand.

What causes brachial plexus injury?

Most traumatic brachial plexus injuries occur when the arm is forcefully pulled or stretched. Many events can cause the injury, including falls, motor vehicle collisions, knife and gunshot wounds, and most commonly, motorcycle collisions.

How do I know if I have a brachial plexus injury?

The most serious brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord. Signs and symptoms of more-severe injuries can include: Weakness or inability to use certain muscles in your hand, arm or shoulder. Complete lack of movement and feeling in your arm, including your shoulder and hand.

How do I fix my brachial plexus?

Surgery to repair brachial plexus nerves should generally occur within six months after the injury. Surgeries that occur later than that have lower success rates. Nerve tissue grows slowly, so it can take several years to know the full benefit of surgery.

What are the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury?

The most serious brachial plexus injury occurs when the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord. Signs and symptoms of more-severe injuries can include: Weakness or inability to use certain muscles in the hand, arm or shoulder. Complete lack of movement and feeling in the arm, including the shoulder and hand.

Can brachial plexus injury heal on its own?

Many injuries to the brachial plexus will recover spontaneously without surgery over a period of weeks to months, especially if they are mild. Nerve injuries that heal on their own tend to have better functional outcomes.

How do you fix a brachial plexus injury?

Your provider may recommend physical therapy to keep the joints and muscles working properly, maintain range of motion, and prevent stiff joints. Surgery to repair brachial plexus nerves should generally occur within six months after the injury. Surgeries that occur later than that have lower success rates.