Why does hitting your funny bone feel so horrible? - Cella Wright

Summary

The sensation of hitting your 'funny bone' occurs due to the ulnar nerve, which runs near your elbow. This nerve, responsible for sensations in your fingers and forearm, becomes exposed when your elbow bends and is struck. The impact stimulates the nerve directly, causing the intense pins-and-needles feeling. While this sensation is temporary, chronic pressure on the ulnar nerve can lead to conditions like ulnar nerve entrapment, causing ongoing discomfort and weakness. To prevent this, regular stretching and avoiding excessive elbow strain are recommended to keep the nerve healthy and avoid long-term damage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The funny bone sensation is caused by hitting the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
• 😀 The elbow joint is highly complex, where the humerus meets the forearm bones.
• 😀 The ulnar nerve runs from the spine to the fingers and plays a key role in sensation and movement.
• 😀 Hitting the funny bone directly stimulates the ulnar nerve's fibers, causing intense sensations.
• 😀 The ulnar nerve is normally protected, but it becomes vulnerable at the elbow, where it passes through the cubital tunnel.
• 😀 Striking the funny bone can lead to a transient sensation called paresthesia, or 'pins and needles'.
• 😀 In rare cases, a hard strike to the funny bone could cause temporary loss of consciousness.
• 😀 Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition where the nerve gets compressed, causing chronic pain and weakness.
• 😀 Chronic pressure on the ulnar nerve, such as from repetitive elbow bending, can lead to ulnar nerve entrapment.
• 😀 To prevent nerve issues, it’s recommended to stretch and straighten your arms regularly and take breaks to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve.

Q & A

Why does hitting your elbow at the 'funny bone' spot feel so strange?

Hitting the 'funny bone' stimulates the ulnar nerve directly, causing a surge of electrical signals that result in a strange pins-and-needles sensation, known as transient paresthesia.

What is the ulnar nerve and what does it do?

The ulnar nerve is a major nerve that runs from your spine to your fingers, providing sensation to your pinky and ring fingers, as well as parts of the forearm and hand. It also helps with motor control in these areas.

What makes the ulnar nerve particularly vulnerable at the elbow?

The ulnar nerve passes beneath the medial epicondyle (a bony bump at the bottom of the humerus) and through the cubital tunnel, a passage made of muscle and ligament. This area leaves the nerve exposed when the elbow is bent.

What happens when the ulnar nerve is struck at the elbow?

When struck, the impact directly stimulates the ulnar nerve, causing a burst of electrical signals. This can lead to the sensation of pins and needles, which radiates down the arm.

What is transient paresthesia?

Transient paresthesia is the temporary sensation of pins and needles, commonly experienced after an impact to the ulnar nerve. It is caused by a sudden influx of nerve signals.

Can a blow to the 'funny bone' cause a loss of consciousness?

In rare cases, a hard impact to the funny bone can disrupt nerve signaling and blood flow, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness.

What is ulnar nerve entrapment?

Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or obstructed, often in the cubital tunnel at the elbow. It can lead to persistent pain, numbness, and weakness in the forearm and hand.

How can ulnar nerve entrapment be prevented?

To prevent ulnar nerve entrapment, doctors recommend regularly stretching your arms, straightening your elbows, and taking breaks to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve and promote healthy blood flow.

Why is the term 'funny bone' misleading?

The term 'funny bone' is misleading because it refers to a spot on the elbow, not a bone. It’s where the ulnar nerve is especially exposed and sensitive.

What is the role of the cubital tunnel in relation to the ulnar nerve?

The cubital tunnel is a passage through which the ulnar nerve travels at the elbow. It helps protect the nerve, but when the elbow is bent, the nerve can become compressed, leading to discomfort or injury.