Chicago Chiropractic

A Unique, Multidisciplinary Approach to Pain Management

How your Elbow Works

The human arm, from shoulder to wrist, consists of three long bones. CHICAGO CHIROPRACTIC expertly cares for all of your muscles and bones. The elbow is a hinge joint located where the humerus meets the ulna and radius and allows for flexion and extension movement between the upper and lower arm. This permits actions such as bringing the hand to the mouth when eating, lifting objects and scratching your head, which would be impossible if the arm were one continuous bone.

If you are experiencing elbow or arm pain, please contact CHICAGO CHIROPRACTIC at 312.337.4004.

The three bony parts of the elbow are enclosed by the fibrous articular capsule, inside of which is the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane contains fluid that allows the bones to move adjacent to each other without rubbing together. Two sets of ligaments, the ulnar collateral ligament and radial collateral ligament, hold the humerus and ulna in place while also permitting considerable movement.

Flexion (bending of the lower and upper arms towards each other) at the elbow joint is largely caused by the biceps brachii muscle. This large muscle extends over the inside of the elbow from the humerus to the upper radius (and is most obvious when you see someone lifting weights). The brachioradialis and brachialis muscles also have a role in elbow flexion, connected respectively between the humerus and radius and humerus and ulna. Extension (straightening of the arm) is brought about through contraction of the triceps brachii and anconeus muscles. Both of these muscles connect the humerus and ulna at the back of the elbow.

When we bend our arm up, the bony protuberance that can be felt at the bottom of the forearm is the olecranon of the ulna. This is protected by the olecranon bursa, which contains fluid similar to synovial fluid in order to cushion the movement of skin over the end of the bone.

Let Chicago Chiropractic adjust your arm muscles and bones to make sure they are in the best working order.

X

Request an Appointment