Chiropractors/Possible Triceps Tear

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 10/31/2008


Question
Hi there,
I am currently recovering from a broken ankle, and did not lift weights during the first four weeks of my recovery.  However, about a week ago, I decided to do a bicep workout.  About an hour after the workout, I tried to bend my left arm back and scratch my back with my left hand, and I felt a sharp, intense pain in the area of my lower tricep near the elbow.  Since then, I have felt a tingling sensation in my left triceps when I am on my crutches, and tonight I moved my arm backwards and suddenly felt a sharp, burning pain in my lower left triceps. The tingling is not constant, but when I first get out of bed or off the couch and get on my crutches, I feel the odd tingling sensation.    
I was just curious what might be causing this? I hypothesized that it might be a partial tear of my triceps or triceps tendon, but this is just a guess.  I was also wondering what you think the healing time for an injury such as mine might be?  Thanks a lot for the help.

Answer
Dear Kirk,

It is not likely that your tore your tricep without an injury mechanism such as  a trauma or a pop while working on the tricep musculature.  What is more likely is a strain of the tendinous attachment to the bone which can easily cause the symptoms you have described. Either way, bit injuries will need some rest to allow the acute inflammation phase to pass so that scar tissue can start to repair the area.  

If tendinitis is the main issue, then this is due to overuse type activities...if there is a small tear the result is the same...you need to limit full motion initially while working up to full motion gradually over a two week period, without strain.  After that time, active muscular contractions are  needed to start regaining strength and stressing the scar tissue so that it will become stronger.  A graduated return to full activity and weight lifting will take time and should be accomplished with care...do not over do it, and progress in a pain free range of motion.

Concerning the tingling in your arms when you are on crutches, this is probably due to the brachial plexus nerve being encroached or compressed while the crutches are under the arms applying pressure. This is usually compression of the axillary or radial nerve.  The first thing you need to do is make sure that the crutches are sized properly...you should not be leaning into the armpit.  The pressure should be in your hands, and the crutch should be two inches below the armpit when in use.  You may further wish to add padding to the top of the crutch to minimize pressure on the armpit.  You should see the tingling symptoms improve immediately.

Hope this helps Kirk.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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