
Medical History and Examination
The process of diagnosing brachial neuritis involves an individual’s medical history and physical exam. Cases that are more complicated could require imaging studies and electrodiagnostic tests. The first steps in diagnosing the cause of shoulder and/or arm pain include:
Medical history
Information will be collected on an individual’s:- Medical history
- Family history
- Underlying conditions
- Recent illnesses or injuries
- Lifestyle habits
- How and when symptoms began
- Current symptoms
Physical examination
A chiropractor will palpate or inspect by feeling the neck, shoulder, and arm for irregularities. Then they will examine the range of motion, strength, and reflexes. If the individual’s history and physical exam suggest that the cause could be brachial neuritis or other condition that involves the nerves, then imaging studies, and diagnostic tests could be required to evaluate further.Symptoms of Brachial Neuritis
The condition is also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. It affects the brachial plexus, which is a set of nerves that run from the neck and upper back to the shoulders. The condition usually affects only one side of the body and presents randomly.
- Inflammation can be triggered through an autoimmune response. This is often the result of an infection, surgical procedure, or other internal stressors. The inflammation can lead to severe debilitating shoulder pain over a few days.
- This also leads to long-term numbness, weakness in the shoulder, and arm.
- The pain becomes worse with movement.
- Typically, the pain goes away on its own within a few days.
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the shoulder or arm continues.
- Over time the symptoms begin to worsen and if left untreated could lead to muscular atrophy of the arm.
- The pain and weakness can make it difficult to move the arm at all, which leads to decreased strength.
- Symptoms can last up to a year or more.

Chiropractic Relief
Treatment requires a pain management program until the pain subsides. Once the pain is manageable chiropractic, physical therapy, exercises, and stretches could be utilized to improve mobility and strength. Chiropractic can provide relief and tools necessary to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Chiropractic helps to:- Reduces pain
- Improves mobility
- Restores strength
