Neck pain due to C8 nerve root irritation is not common as C6 and C7 nerve root irritations. There are some C7 nerve root contributions in the flexor digitorum profundus and the part that goes to the index and middle fingers supplied by the median nerve. The part of the flexor digitorum profundus that goes to the ring and liitle fingers is supplied by the ulnar nerve and has mainly C8 and T1 nerve root contributions.
Pain and spasm in this muscle will also cause pain in the elbow, wrist and hand. This muscle arises from the front of the inner forearm bone (ulnar) and the deep fascia of the forearm. It inserts into the base of the distal phalanx of all the fingers except for the thumb.
Its action is to close the fingers as in making a fist. Pain and spasm in these muscles will also cause pain in the elbow, wrist and hand.
Treatments have to begin first with the muscles at the back of the forearm such as the wad of three (brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis), extensor digitorum and the other muscles at the back of the forearm. Selective activation of the muscles at the back of the forearm will help in reducing the spasm in the flexor digitorum profundus making it easier to treat.
