The ‘funny bone’ refers to the ulnar nerve that runs from the neck to the hand. The nerve is close to the elbow skin, which induces pain when the point is hit. According to a theory, the name is based on the upper arm bone, located between the elbow and the shoulder, which is called ‘humerus’.

The ulnar nerve is trapped between the bone and the overlying skin at this point. This is commonly referred to as bumping one’s “funny bone”. This name is thought to be a pun, based on the sound resemblance between the name of the bone of the upper arm, the “humerus”, and the word “humorous”.

The “funny bone” in the elbow is actually the ulnar nerve, a nerve that crosses the elbow. The ulnar nerve starts in the side of your neck and ends in your fingers.

humerus

The “funny bone” got its nickname because of that funny feeling you get after you hit it. Running down the inside part of your elbow is a nerve called the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve lets your brain know about feelings in your fourth and fifth fingers.

After surgery a splint will be applied to the elbow holding it in a bent position. This will be worn anywhere from 2-4 weeks to allow the incision to heal and let the ulnar nerve set into its new position. Full recovery will vary, but on average it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

To be eligible for disability because of your ulnar nerve condition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must conclude that it is so severe that it prevents you from working at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for at least twelve months.

If the nerve is very compressed or has been compressed for a long time, muscle wasting in the hand can occur. Once this happens, muscle wasting cannot be reversed. For this reason, it is important to see your doctor if symptoms are severe or if they are less severe but have been present for more than 6 weeks.

Ulnar nerve entrapment is an extremely common injury to a nerve that runs through the arm into the fingers on the outside of the hand. While ulnar nerve entrapment is usually not serious, it can have permanent consequences if not treated promptly, including paralysis and loss of feeling in the affected hand or arm.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Peripheral Neuropathy? With peripheral neuropathy (PN), the cooler weather makes most patients’ symptoms worse. In neuropathies caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in your hands and feet, cold weather will constrict your blood vessels and result in less blood to your nerves.

Is Neuropathy a Disability? Neuropathy can be considered a disability by the SSA. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits with neuropathy, you need to meet both the work and medical guidelines that are set by the SSA.

Vicks Vapor Rub® – Massaging one’s feet with Vicks, particularly at night, soothes neuropathic pain and distress in one’s feet and legs. It is also excellent for softening your toe nails and diminishing common toe nail problems.

Neuropathy can affect nerves that control muscle movement (motor nerves) and those that detect sensations such as coldness or pain (sensory nerves). In some cases, it can affect internal organs, such as the heart, blood vessels, bladder, or intestines.

Peripheral nerves do regenerate. Simply by addressing contributing causes such as underlying infections, exposure to toxins, or vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, neuropathy symptoms frequently resolve themselves. In most cases, however, neuropathy is not curable, and the focus for treatment is managing symptoms.

Restoring function

1. Braces or splints. These devices keep the affected limb, fingers, hand or foot in the proper position to improve muscle function.
2. Electrical stimulator. Stimulators can activate muscle served by an injured nerve while the nerve regrows.
3. Physical therapy.
4. Exercise.

Top 10 foods for brain and nervous system

• Green leafy vegetables. Green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Magnesium all of which are important for proper functioning of our nervous system.
• Fish.
• Dark chocolate.
• Broccoli.
• Eggs.
• Salmon.
• Avocados.
• Almonds.