How to Diagnose a Pinched Nerve: Why Listening Matters More Than Imaging

In an age where healthcare is increasingly reliant on imaging, many patients are surprised to learn that one of the most powerful diagnostic tools is not a scan but a skilled conversation. At Movability, we specialize in identifying nerve compression and entrapment syndromes using a unique, hands-on, root-cause approach. We believe that listening to the patient’s story, understanding their symptom patterns, and performing a thorough physical exam can often pinpoint the exact location of a nerve issue—without needing to rely exclusively on imaging.

Understanding Nerve Compression: Anatomy Matters

The brachial plexus is one of the most complex and clinically significant nerve networks in the human body. It originates from the spinal nerves C5 through T1 and branches out to control motor and sensory function in the entire upper limb. Understanding where nerves get trapped along this pathway allows experienced clinicians to diagnose the issue before even touching the patient.

The Four Common Sites of Compression in the Brachial Plexus

1. Interscalene Space

• Location: Between the anterior and middle scalene muscles

• Nerves affected: Typically C5–C6 roots

• Symptoms: Shoulder pain, biceps weakness, lateral arm numbness, symptoms often worsened with head turning or poor posture

2. Supraclavicular Space

• Location: Above the clavicle, where the trunks of the brachial plexus pass

• Nerves affected: Trunks (superior, middle, inferior)

• Symptoms: Can mimic thoracic outlet syndrome, cause pain or numbness in the shoulder, inner arm, or fingers depending on the trunk compressed

3. Infraclavicular Space

• Location: Under the clavicle and behind the pectoralis minor

• Nerves affected: Cords (lateral, posterior, medial)

• Symptoms:

• Lateral cord: Biceps/forearm weakness

• Posterior cord: Triceps and wrist extensor weakness, dorsal hand numbness

• Medial cord: Grip weakness, numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers

4. Axillary Region

• Location: Around the armpit, where terminal branches extend into the arm

• Nerves affected: Radial, median, ulnar

• Symptoms: Radial nerve compression (wrist drop), median nerve (carpal tunnel-like symptoms), ulnar nerve (claw hand, pinky and ring finger numbness)

Why Imaging Often Falls Short

MRI and CT scans are valuable when used appropriately, but they are static images. Nerve pain is often functional and positional. That means a patient can be in severe pain from nerve irritation or compression, yet have a completely unremarkable MRI. This leads to misdiagnosis or delayed care if the clinician relies too heavily on imaging alone.

At Movability, we teach that imaging should confirm a diagnosis—not create one. Our practitioners are trained to extract diagnostic gold from patient history and physical testing. We identify symptom patterns, perform motion-based assessments, and use palpation to recreate and localize the patient’s symptoms.

Diagnosis Is Just the Beginning

Even once we’ve identified where a nerve is trapped, that’s only part of the solution. The most important question we ask next is: what caused the nerve to get compressed in the first place? Whether it’s poor posture, repetitive strain, scar tissue, instability, or weakness, we treat the root cause—not just the symptoms. That’s how we get lasting relief for our patients.

A Whole-System Approach to Nerve Pain

What sets Movability apart is our collaborative, interdisciplinary care model. Our chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, and rehab specialists work together to:

• Improve biomechanics

• Restore posture and stability

• Relieve soft tissue restrictions

• Reduce inflammation

• Support tissue healing with targeted supplementation and nutrition

We don’t chase symptoms. We solve problems.

The Movability Difference

If you’ve been struggling with nerve pain and haven’t found answers through scans or prescriptions, it may be time to take a different approach. At Movability, we combine clinical expertise with deep listening, hands-on assessment, and integrative care to identify and resolve the true cause of your pain. This is how we get consistent results with even the most complex cases.

Contact us today to book a comprehensive assessment and experience the Movability difference.