The nerves that supply the skin and muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand emerge from the spine and form the brachial plexus. This complex collection of nerves is arrayed between the spine and the shoulder joint. Along the way, it is subject to various types of injuries and entrapments.
Among the milder injuries causing pain and weakness is a group of conditions collectively called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) — these involve entrapment or irritation of the nerves. More severe trauma can injure the nerves, stretch them severely, or even break or tear them. The most common causes of severe injuries to the brachial plexus are motor vehicle injuries - particularly motorcycle injuries - and severe blows to the shoulder. An entirely different cause affects infants at the moment of their birth as the shoulder becomes caught in the birth canal in a difficult delivery.
When the brachial plexus is injured so severely as to cause a paralysis of the arm, it is important for the physician to try to determine whether the problem will resolve on its own or whether in will require surgery to repair or reconstuct the nerves. Often, MR Neurography can provide definitive information about the precise location and severity of the injury. In general, in the case of complete paralysis requiring surgical nerve repair, the surgery should be undertaken within six months of the date of the injury.
Brachial Plexus Syndrome Information | ||||||||
|
Dr. Aaron Filler is the world’s leading expert in treatment of nerve pain. He has revolutionized nerve-pain treatment by inventing several new technologies. One such technology, MR Neurography, enables doctors to use an MRI scanner to examine nerves — previously a difficult-to-impossible tissue to see through MR imaging. Dr. Filler's research in axonal transport is leading to a whole new generation of advanced pain medications. He has developed many new “minimal access” surgery methods that allow him to treat complex nerve problems with small outpatient surgeries. He has also pioneered the use of the Open MRI scanner to do surgeries and other therapies with the ultra-high precision and safety of the magnetic resonance imaging. 
Do You Really Need Back Surgery? by Dr. Aaron G. Filler, MD PhD, is a best-selling paperback every sufferer of spine and nerve pain should read. Written in everyday language, the book is a must-read.