Headaches & Nerve Pain
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, associated with the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
Also called: Ulnar nerve entrapment, Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.
The ulnar nerve passes through a narrow tunnel behind the inner elbow, sometimes called the funny bone area. Compression or repeated stretch there produces symptoms along the inner forearm and into the ring and little fingers.
The degree of irritation varies, from occasional tingling with elbow bending to more constant numbness, and this range is part of what determines how the situation is approached.
Why this matters
Sleeping with the elbows bent, leaning on a desk, and prolonged phone use are common aggravators, and adjusting these habits is often part of what is discussed alongside any care.
Because grip and hand coordination can be affected, tasks that require sustained fine motor control are often the first to become noticeably harder.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Grip strength and hand coordination are tested directly, since these give an objective picture of how the nerve is functioning beyond the symptom description alone.
The neck is examined as well, because ulnar nerve symptoms can be compounded at more than one point along the same pathway, and addressing only the elbow may miss part of the picture.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
- Weakness or wasting in the hand
- Constant numbness in the last two fingers
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Headaches — Headaches have many drivers. Understanding which ones apply to you is the point of the evaluation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
- Cervicogenic Headache — Headache arising from structures in the neck.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.