Cervicobrachial Syndrome

Arm numbness does not necessarily mean a herniated disc. Cervical nerves pass through various narrow passages, including between the scalene muscles, beneath the clavicle, and beneath the pectoralis minor, in addition to the intervertebral discs. Numbness occurs if compression occurs in any of these areas due to muscle tension or postural issues. Since repetitive lifting of heavy loads involves pulling the shoulder downwards and irritating the brachial plexus, symptoms can be severe even if an MRI shows only mild degeneration. If the condition manifests as heaviness and numbness throughout the entire arm without following a specific nerve root distribution like a herniated disc, we suspect tibiobrachnoid syndrome more. From a Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective, Korean medicine focuses on the actual flow of Qi and blood rather than the structures visible in imaging. If Qi becomes stagnant and blood clots due to repetitive exertion and tension, pain and numbness manifest intensely even if structural damage is mild. The sensation and strength of the arm depend on the smooth flow of Qi and blood through it, and the condition of muscles and ligaments is linked to the function of the blood stored by the liver moistening the tendons. At Dongjedang, we employ a stepwise external treatment: using a needle to separate stiffened adhesions on the sides of the neck and around the shoulder blades to widen the nerve passage; using fire acupuncture and thread embedding to aid regeneration of damaged ligaments; and using bee venom and pharmacopuncture to reduce inflammation in prominent areas. At the same time, we combine internal treatment to replenish the vital energy and blood depleted by physical labor and dissolve accumulated blood stasis, addressing even the roots of pain that are not visible in the video.