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What are the Most Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve in the Forearm?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A pinched nerve in the forearm may manifest itself through pain or numbness in the forearm, hand, and even the biceps. Tingling may occur, and motor control may be lost to some extent within the arm. Several nerves run through the arms, so a pinched nerve may cause different kinds of pain depending on which nerve is pinched. Pinched nerves occur when a nerve becomes compressed due to tightness in the muscles, degradation of the joints, or inflammation of tendons or bursae anywhere in the body. When any of these conditions exist in the arms, shoulders, or neck, pain may be felt in the arms.

Pain in the arms may not be caused by a pinched nerve in the forearm at all. The nerve can become compressed anywhere along its length, and pain can occur in locations other than the site of the compression. The most common symptoms are sharp pain in the forearm, wrist, or hands, numbness, tingling, and even a loss of motor control in more serious instances. If the latter occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as a larger problem may be occurring. In many cases, nerve pain can be alleviated with stretching, stress reduction, and regular exercise.

Numbness or tingling in the arms may be symptoms of a pinched nerve.
Numbness or tingling in the arms may be symptoms of a pinched nerve.

A pinched nerve in the forearm, like other types of nerve pain, is often a symptom of a larger problem within the body. The nerve may become compressed, for example, due to degradation of a joint as a result of some types of arthritis. If nerve pain occurs in the forearm, a medical professional may choose to examine the joints in the upper body, including the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, for arthritis or other conditions that may lead to deformities or degradation of the joint. Inflammation can also cause a pinched nerve, and a medical professional may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate the pressure and therefore relieve the pain.

Individuals suffering from nerve pain may find relief in physical therapy and exercise.
Individuals suffering from nerve pain may find relief in physical therapy and exercise.

If a sufferer loses motor control, or if he or she loses feeling in the forearm or entire limb, the nerve pain may be an indicator of a very serious problem. Tumors may be pressing on the nerve, and a medical professional will need to perform a biopsy to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. Other conditions can lead to serious neurological issues, and extensive testing may be necessary to find the cause and begin treating it. Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged nerves in more severe cases.

Discussion Comments

miriam98

@everetra - Arm pain can be anything from tendinitis to arthritis. Only a doctor can tell you. But of all the possible conditions I think that arthritis is the worst.

After all, it can’t be reversed. With muscle nerve compression, you can do some exercises that will bring about treatment, but arthritis is a gradual deterioration. About the only thing you can do is to get pain medication, which of course doesn’t treat the underlying problem.

everetra

@nony - I’ve got pinched nerves in my wrist as a result of all the computer work that I do. Could it be carpal tunnel syndrome? I really don’t know. It does cause pain and some tingling.

I don’t have complete loss of motor control but my hands shake when I hold objects. It’s quite embarrassing because to others the shaking makes it appear that I have a nervous condition or something.

I bought a wrist pad that I sleep with and it’s been helping somewhat. What it does is to reshape the muscles in the palm of my wrist, at the base where the nerves compress. By reshaping the muscles it frees up more space so that the nerves aren’t squished so much.

nony

I’ve experienced pain in my arm. While I don’t know if there is a pinched nerve in the forearm as such, I do know that I’ve experienced pinched nerves along other parts of the arm.

The biggest symptom that they are pinched nerves is that I feel tingling or pinching throughout my body, even around my eye and face. I don’t think it’s arthritis but tendinitis or shoulder bursitis conditions, which crumples up my muscles and causes the nerves to pinch.

I try to use an electric massager as treatment against the arm and take plenty of breaks, in addition to working on proper ergonomic posture.

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    • Numbness or tingling in the arms may be symptoms of a pinched nerve.
      By: Dash
      Numbness or tingling in the arms may be symptoms of a pinched nerve.
    • Individuals suffering from nerve pain may find relief in physical therapy and exercise.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Individuals suffering from nerve pain may find relief in physical therapy and exercise.
    • Pain in the forearm can be caused by a pinched nerve.
      By: ruigsantos
      Pain in the forearm can be caused by a pinched nerve.
    • A pinched nerve in the forearm may start in the wrist.
      By: Africa Studio
      A pinched nerve in the forearm may start in the wrist.