Radial nerve, radiating pain, radius, range of motion..

Radial nerve   One of the three main nerves of the arm. The Radial nerve carries sensation from the back of the hand and forearm as well as controlling the muscles of the back of the arm and forearm. Problems with this nerve may result in numbness in the back of the hand as well as weakness in the muscles which straighten the wrist and bend it back as well as those which straighten the elbow. Nerve problems can originate at any point along the length of this nerve, though those occurring at the vertebral foramen (of the spine) are very common, especially in whiplash type injuries.

Radiating pain   A pain which seems to travel from one point to another (shooting pain) or which covers a large area.

Radius   One of the two bones of the forearm. The radius begins at the outside of the elbow and ends at the thumb side of the wrist. The upper end of the radius is small and and round while the lower end is larger and flat, forming a main part of the wrist joint. The action of turning the wrist (palm down and palm up) takes place as the radius rotates at the elbow and folds over the ulna (the other forearm bone).

Range of motion   Each joint has a specific way in which it is designed to move. There are three potential axes of motion, yet not all joints use all three axes. The elbow joint, for example, uses only one axis to achieve flexion and extension, while the spinal joints of the neck use all three, allowing tipping to the sides (lateral flexion) and rotation as well as flexion and extension.

Range of Motion test   Tests designed to check whether a joint can move through its full natural spectrum of motion. These tests are a good sign of muscle and joint health. The information gained from range of motion tests can be very helpful in detecting early signs of RSI. Read more about how Desk Doctor uses Range of Motion tests to select exercises specific to your needs.

Rehabilitation   The process of restoring a person who has been debilitated by stress or injury to a functional, healthy life using medically proven methodologies. From the Latin "habilitas," which means to make able.

Rehabilitation exercises Exercises designed to strengthen and lengthen the muscles as well as resolve specific musculoskeletal imbalances that already exist. Read more about Desk Doctor’s personal plan for RSI prevention and rehabilitation.