Brachial Plexus Injury

Explanation of Diagnosis

A brachial plexus injury means damage or irritation to the network of nerves that carries signals from your neck to your shoulder, arm, and hand. It commonly happens after stretching or trauma to the shoulder/neck area, such as a fall, sports impact, car accident, or difficult delivery. Symptoms can include pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, and changes in hand or arm movement. Nerve symptoms can fluctuate, and in many cases they improve gradually, but persistent or worsening weakness should be evaluated promptly.

Specific Work Modifications

• Avoid prolonged reaching overhead; keep frequently used items around waist to shoulder height
• Use a hands-free headset or speaker mode and avoid cradling a phone with the injured side
• Take short breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to change positions and let pain/tingling settle
• Support your forearm on a desk, armrest, or pillow to reduce strain on the shoulder
• Use both hands to lift/carry; keep loads close to your body rather than reaching outward
• Adjust your workstation so your elbow stays near your side and your wrist is neutral when typing or using a mouse

Specific Activity Modifications

• Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling that increases arm pain or tingling, especially above shoulder height
• Pause contact sports and high-impact activities until you have stable strength and symptom control
• Choose low-impact workouts first, such as walking or stationary biking, while you protect the arm
• Modify gym exercises: use lighter weights, shorten the range of motion, and stop before symptoms increase
• Avoid aggressive stretching into nerve symptoms; gentle motion is usually better than forcing range
• If a hobby involves sustained arm elevation (painting, overhead tools, certain crafts), switch to lower positions and shorter sessions

Recommended Supplements

• Omega-3 fish oil 1,000 mg once or twice daily may help support overall inflammatory balance (avoid or discuss first if you take blood thinners)
• Vitamin D3 1,000 to 2,000 IU daily if your level is low or you have limited sun exposure may support musculoskeletal health
• Magnesium glycinate 200 to 400 mg in the evening may help some people with muscle tightness and sleep quality
• Curcumin (turmeric extract) 500 mg once or twice daily may help with general inflammation-related discomfort (check with your clinician if you have reflux or take anticoagulants)

Recommended Nutrition and Hydration

Home Exercise Prescription

Do these exercises 1 to 2 times per day, using gentle effort and stopping if symptoms sharply worsen.

1. Pendulum (supported arm) swings: Lean forward with one hand supported on a table; let the sore arm hang and make small gentle circles for 1 to 2 minutes each direction
2. Scapular retractions (shoulder blade squeezes): Sit or stand tall, gently squeeze shoulder blades back and down; hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times
3. Shoulder rolls: Roll shoulders slowly backward in a controlled motion; 10 repetitions, then switch to forward if it feels comfortable
4. Wrist and hand motion: Open and close your hand and gently move the wrist up and down; 2 sets of 10 reps
5. Table slides (pain-free forward reach): Slide your hand forward on a table to your comfortable limit (no sharp pain or increasing tingling); hold 5 seconds, repeat 10 times
6. Gentle neck range of motion: Turn your head slowly within comfort to the left and right and tilt gently side to side; 5 reps each direction

Helpful Books

• "Explain Pain" written by David J. Butler, Lorimer Moseley
• "Strength Training Anatomy" written by Frederic Delavier
• "Move!" written by Katy Bowman