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Understanding Dead Arm Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Posted on February 24, 2025 - 1:02 pm by
Sports, tennis and arm pain on court after training, game or match outdoors. Healthcare, tennis player and injured black man or athlete with muscle pain or inflammation after exercise or workout

Dead Arm Syndrome is a perplexing condition that affects individuals engaged in repetitive shoulder movements causing sudden, acute pain that temporarily weakens or impairs the arm.

It often creeps up on athletes, especially baseball pitchers, who demand the utmost from their shoulders, only to find themselves grappling with sharp discomfort and a concerning loss of function.

In order to use your arm with minimal to no pain, it involves identifying the causes and symptoms, and seeking interventions that can alleviate discomfort and restore function.

A crucial step in this journey is having an informed conversation with a doctor or specialist with expertise in sports injuries.

Sports, tennis and arm pain on court after training, game or match outdoors. Healthcare, tennis player and injured black man or athlete with muscle pain or inflammation after exercise or workout

Introduction to Dead Arm Syndrome

Dead arm syndrome is a condition that can cause sudden, sharp arm pain. Athletes – such as football players or baseball players – may notice it because they can no longer throw.

An effective approach to treating dead arm syndrome not only relieves the immediate discomfort but also paves the way for ongoing health and optimal athletic performance.

Definition and Overview

Imagine if you were once able to use your throwing arm without pain and suddenly you can’t throw because your limb feels like it’s not your own. This confusing sensation is often experienced by those with dead arm syndrome, where the arm’s function is impaired without apparent reason, leading to discomfort and a hindered ability to perform certain physical activities.

Consulting with a physician upon noticing these symptoms is crucial, as dead arm syndrome may stem from a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from nerve compression, tissue inflammation or injury. Accurate diagnosis is essential, and a specialist’s expertise can pinpoint the root cause and provide an effective treatment plan.

Importance in Orthopedics

Within orthopedics, dead arm syndrome garners significant attention due to its potential to sideline athletes. It’s important to identify the issues so that individuals can reengage with their sports swiftly and, most importantly, safely.

A good understanding of dead arm syndrome allows doctors to deliver care that extends beyond managing symptoms. Treatments may include preventative strategies, an understanding of sports biomechanics, and tailored treatments, all working collaboratively to rehabilitate and fortify the arm against future injury.

Symptoms of Dead Arm Syndrome

Recognizing the symptoms of dead arm syndrome is key in tackling the condition head-on.

  • Pain and weakness:
    • Significant discomfort or pain in the shoulder, especially when throwing, accompanied by noticeable weakness in the upper arm.
  • Numbness and tingling:
    • A sensation of pins and needles or numbness radiating from the shoulder down the arm.
  • Reduced throwing ability:
    • Difficulty throwing with the same force and control as before, often experiencing a significant drop in throwing speed.
  • Shoulder instability:
    • Clicking or popping sounds in the shoulder joint, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of the shoulder partially dislocating.
  • Fatigue in the arm:
    • Feeling of tiredness and exhaustion in the affected arm, especially during repetitive movements.

As you better understand the signs and symptoms of dead arm syndrome, keep in mind that the characteristics of your discomfort and functional impairment offer critical clues in formulating an effective treatment plan.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Arm health and function depend on the timely recognition of symptoms, an accurate diagnosis, and a well-defined treatment plan. Noticing the signs and symptoms early, will help prevent prolonged discomfort and performance setbacks

It’s important you talk with your doctor to understand the underlying causes of your symptoms so that you can get treatment as soon as possible. Staying informed and supported through recovery is going to help with peak arm function and overall musculoskeletal health.

The physicians and specialists at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are experts in all aspects of orthopedic and spine care. No matter the type of treatment you require, the team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is ready to serve you at one of their six locations across Duval, St. Johns and Clay counties. If you find yourself experiencing any type of pain related to an orthopedic or spine condition, call Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at 904.634.0640 or schedule an appointment online

(Photo Credit – Adobe)

 

Sit at a Desk? 5 Tips to Prevent Neck & Back Pain at Work, School or Home

Posted on November 4, 2024 - 5:07 pm by

Spending long hours at a desk can strain your body and lead to orthopedic issues if your workspace isn’t set up correctly. Studies have shown that poor posture at work is linked to a significant increase in the likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders.  

For example, research indicates that individuals who maintain poor posture while working are 40% more likely to visit a doctor for musculoskeletal pain compared to those who practice good posture. This highlights the importance of ergonomic practices in reducing the risk of work-related injuries and improving overall health. 

To stay comfortable and reduce the risk of injury, follow these five essential tips:

Invest in an Ergonomic Chair and Footrest

A high-quality ergonomic chair is crucial for maintaining orthopedic health. Choose a chair that provides adequate lumbar support and allows for proper alignment of your spine. Ensure that your chair is adjustable so you can set it to the right height, allowing your feet to rest flat on the floor and your knees to be at a 90-degree angle.  

Additionally, consider using a footrest to further enhance your comfort and support, particularly if your chair’s height cannot be perfectly adjusted for your leg length. A footrest helps keep your feet supported and your posture aligned, reducing strain on your lower back and legs.

Keyboard and Monitor Adjustments

Proper placement of your keyboard and monitor is key to preventing strain. Position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level, which helps maintain a neutral neck position. The monitor should be about an arm’s length away to reduce eye strain. For your keyboard, use a stand to keep it at a comfortable height where your wrists remain in a neutral position while typing.  

Incorporate a wrist rest to provide extra support and cushioning. Additionally, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye fatigue.

Consider Wrist Support

Wrist support is crucial for reducing strain and preventing repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. When typing, ensure that your wrists are in a neutral position to avoid unnecessary pressure on your joints. Investing in a keyboard wrist rest pad can provide the cushioning and support needed to keep your wrists aligned properly, reducing the risk of discomfort and long-term injury.

Maintain Good Posture and Lumbar Support

Practicing good posture is essential for preventing orthopedic issues. Sit back in your chair with your back straight and shoulders relaxed, using the chair’s backrest for support. For added comfort and support, consider using a lumbar support pillow to better align your lower back.

Go for a Walk and Stretch at Your Desk

Use your breaks to take a short walk, whether around the office or outside, to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Additionally, incorporate desk stretches like seated spinal twists and hamstring stretches to alleviate muscle tension without leaving your workspace. Regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move can help prevent stiffness and discomfort from prolonged sitting, keeping your muscles flexible and reducing tension throughout the day. 

By integrating these five tips into your daily routine, you can enhance your comfort and protect your orthopedic health while working at your desk. Investing in an ergonomic chair, making proper keyboard and monitor adjustments, incorporating regular movement and stretching, maintaining good posture, and staying hydrated are all crucial for creating a healthier and more comfortable workspace.   

Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as proper hydration supports muscle function and overall well-being. Don’t forget that getting adequate rest each night is also essential for overall well-being and managing orthopedic issues. 

Causes & Treatment Options for Sciatica

Posted on November 17, 2022 - 11:20 am by

Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg is what is commonly referred to as sciatica. The pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve down the leg which means that typically, only one side of the body is affected. The sensation that those with sciatica experience varies from one person to the next. While some people feel a sharp, shooting pain, others describe a dull pain. The pain that you experience from sciatica is caused by irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression of a nerve in the lower back.

Sciatica is a common complaint among Americans and according to Harvard Medical School, about 40% of people in the U.S have reported having sciatica sometime in their life. Sciatica can be caused by a plethora of spinal conditions, some of the most common are listed below:

  • A Herniated Disc. This is the most common cause of sciatica and occurs when the discs that are found between the vertebrae undergo trauma or damage and the gel-like center of the disc begins to herniate through the outer wall. The herniation causes irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease. This is a condition where the discs found begin to thin and weaken over time which results in reduced space between the vertebrae. When the space is reduced, the sciatic nerve can become impinged.
  • Spinal Stenosis. This occurs when the spaces that surround the spinal cords begin to narrow. This abnormal narrowing can pinch the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spine resulting in sciatica.
  • A spinal condition that affects the lumbar vertebrae, spondylolisthesis is a disease that causes a lower vertebra to slip forward over the vertebrae directly beneath it. The change in vertebral positioning can cause impingement or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
  • Facet Joint Arthritis. Lumbar osteoarthritis is degenerative arthritis in the low back that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the facet joints of the vertebrae. There are two facet joints on the back of each vertebra that connect the bones of the spine. Wear and tear on facet joints on the lower spine cause the cartilage between the joints to break down and causes inflammation and sciatica.

Ultimately, when you have sciatica the goal is to decrease your discomfort and increase your mobility by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. In most cases, time and treatment are successful in resolving sciatica pain. According to Mayo Clinic, about 90 to 95% of the time, sciatica cases will be resolved with time and non-surgical treatments. However, if your symptoms persist despite all efforts, surgery might be considered. Oftentimes, surgery is considered for those whose leg pain or weakness is persistent after methods of non-surgical options are unsuccessful. Your physician will ultimately tell you the best solution for your specific needs.

  • Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy can be an excellent option to treat sciatica because it involves stretching that improves your flexibility and strengthens the muscles of your core and lower back. In addition to going to see a Physical Therapist, staying active can also ease your sciatica symptoms.
  • Corticosteroid Injections. This treatment option delivers medication directly to the sciatic nerve via an injection. Corticosteroid injections are often a temporary solution that can provide weeks or months of pain relief.
  • This is a common minimally invasive surgical procedure when sciatica is caused by a large disc herniation. In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon removes the small part of disc material that is compressing the sciatic nerve.

If you find yourself experiencing sciatica symptoms, it is important to stay as active as possible and try to introduce some conservative methods of pain relief. Sometimes, conservative options don’t give you immediate relief, especially if your pain is caused by an irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is when it is best to allow your physician to offer you more aggressive methods of pain relief for your sciatica.

The Future of Spine Technology

Posted on October 25, 2016 - 8:00 am by

There have been many technology advancements for spine care. An orthopedic spinal surgeon, Anthony Yeung, weighs in on his opinions on where he sees the future of spinal care. Dr. Yeung realized the need for minimalism in spine surgery when a close family member sustained a nerve injury of the spine after partial removal of the facet joint. The initial injury was a central disc herniation. His thoughts were focused on the idea that spinal surgery should be less invasive to avoid further injury, years of pain and disability. In this case, his mother progressed to a grade 2 spondylolisthesis. He was interested in a less invasive procedure to decompress original herniation.

The Future of Spinal Surgery: Minimally Invasive

Dr. Yeung began to study the transforaminal decompression concept of Parviz Kambin. He began to see that the visual capabilities of the endoscope just may be a part of what he needed to implement his future vision of spinal surgery. In his interest to shape spinal surgery, he developed the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System in 1997. This system was designed for performing selective discectomy via an indigo dye stain for degenerative nucleus removal. Dr. Yeung took it further and combined the system with laser. Further development led to developing a multichannel irrigation endoscope that fit into a disc. The dual system lead to controlled removal of disc and the ability to see the tissue that needed to be removed.

He was able to visualize the nucleus pulposus during discectomy. The staining of the degenerative disc allowed him to be more selective in disc removal. Abnormal and normal parts of the disc were easily identified. Soon after developing the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System, he developed a bevelled cannula to facilitate view of the epidural space. Hinged discectomy instruments were also produced to assist visual inspection and discectomy to identify decompression of the existing and traversing nerve in the epidural space. These instruments also provided more flexibility in reaching the patho-anatomy.

Without a doubt, new developments and new technology over the decades has improved the techniques of spine surgery. The spine care specialists at Southeast Orthopedic offer minimally invasive spine surgery performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons. With minimally invasive spine procedures, surgery can be performed as an outpatient or require a shorter hospital stay. If you’re considering spine surgery, turn to the experts at Southeast Orthopedic.

How Yoga Helps the Back and Spine

Posted on May 25, 2016 - 10:09 am by

Yoga has dramatically gained popularity in the United States over the past few decades. Originally a spiritual practice that was employed by Hindus, yoga now is recognized for its myriad health benefits. There are many types of yoga, from gentle yoga poses combined with meditation to more physically active poses intended to strengthen muscles. For people with back pain, yoga can be a fantastic way to strengthen muscles and improve spine health.

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Stretches to Do at Your Desk for Back Pain

Posted on February 16, 2016 - 11:55 am by

The United States seems to have a collective back ache. More than 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. Serious back pain can be extraordinarily debilitating, affecting your ability to walk, sleep comfortably and drive. If you experience back pain, visit the Jacksonville orthopedics specialists at Southeast Ortho to get a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Modifications to your everyday life, including performing stretches at your desk, can be an effective way to alleviate back pain. (more…)

5 Ways to Ease Back Pain From Scoliosis

Posted on August 5, 2015 - 9:43 am by

An estimated 5 to 7 million Americans suffer from scoliosis, reports the American Chiropractic Association. This condition is characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. For most people, the spine is straight and tall to support our body posture. People with scoliosis have a spine that curves more than 10 degrees to the right or left. This spinal curvature contributes to significant back pain but may also negatively affect lung or heart functioning. Addressing the back pain associated with scoliosis is an important way to improve well-being among people who suffer from this condition. (more…)

When is the Best Time to Call the Doctor for Your Back Pain?

Posted on February 5, 2015 - 2:38 pm by

Whether you are a professional athlete or performer, a student athlete or a “weekend warrior,” there are things you can do to help minimize the chances of a serious injury.

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we know that no one wants to go to a doctor if they don’t have to and our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons don’t take it personally. We don’t either. We also know that with back and other musculoskeletal injuries, it can be particularly difficult for people to determine whether they need to seek medical treatment or if the problem will resolve on its own. (more…)

Why Practicing Good Posture Can Help with Back Pain

Posted on December 3, 2014 - 9:00 am by

As kids, we were all told to stand up straight and sit up at the table. Those rules were put in place for a reason, usually to present a polite image. However, the truth is that good form does more than make us look better; it also protects our spine from pain, sprains and stress. It is adults who are especially at risk of back pain, and so it is adults who must pay especially close attention to their posture.

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