Brachioradial Pruritus: The Neuropathic Itch Every DC Should Recognize
“Neuropathic itch” is a chronic condition caused by nerve irritation, and accounts for an estimated 8% of chronic itch complaints - though the true prevalence is likely higher. (1) This relentless problem disrupts lives with persistent itching, burning, or tingling sensations. Among the most common forms of neuropathic itch are brachioradial pruritus and notalgia paresthetica. (1-3)
While notalgia paresthetica impacts the upper back, brachioradial pruritus is a lesser-known but significant cause of itching and discomfort in the arms—one that’s often misdiagnosed or overlooked. (2) Chiropractors routinely encounter patients with neuropathic itching, particularly conditions like brachioradial pruritus, as they often stem from cervical spine dysfunction and nerve irritation.
This blog is your guide if you’re ready to stand out as the go-to provider for managing brachioradial pruritus. We’ll explain the condition, why it happens, and how you can effectively identify and treat it.
*Your ChiroUp team has thoroughly researched brachioradial pruritus. Subscribers can access the full brachioradial pruritus protocol in the Condition Reference Library, now featuring nearly 200 conditions with detailed tools and tutorial videos for best-practice assessments, treatments, and management.
1. What Is Brachioradial Pruritus?
Fast Fact — Chronic “Itchy Arm”
Brachioradial pruritus is a neuropathic skin condition characterized by persistent itching, tingling, or burning sensations on the upper extremities, frequently over the brachioradialis muscle. (4-8) This underdiagnosed condition primarily affects middle-aged individuals, with a higher prevalence in women. (1,6,7,9)
Chronic itching can significantly disrupt sleep and daily activities, impacting quality of life as severely as pain. (10) If left untreated, brachioradial pruritus can persist for years, similar to other chronic neuropathic conditions. (11)
2. What Causes Brachioradial Pruritus?
Fast Fact — Abnormal nerve stimulation—anywhere along the circuit
Brachioradial pruritus arises from irritation or compression of cervical nerve roots (C5-C8), possibly compounded by UV-induced peripheral nerve damage in the corresponding skin. (1,4,5,9) Cervical spine conditions such as disc herniation, spondylosis, or chronic joint dysfunction hypersensitize these nerves, making them more likely to misfire. (12)
What Causes Neuropathic Itch?
Neuropathic itching (like brachioradial pruritus, notalgia parasthetica, and anogenital itch) arises from damage or dysfunction to the central or peripheral nervous system rather than direct skin stimulation. (13,14) It affects sensory nerve fibers known as pruriceptors, which transmit itch signals and are distinct from pain-sensing nociceptors and proprioceptors. (13,15)
Neuropathic itch arises from abnormal nerve firing secondary to mechanical, metabolic, or inflammatory nerve damage or dysfunction. (13,14) Such damage can occur anywhere in the nervous system, potentially involving broader somatosensory dysfunction, including central sensitization. (13,14,16)
3. Who Gets Brachioradial Pruritus?
Fast Fact — People with necks and arms 😏
Brachioradial pruritus predominantly affects middle-aged adults, particularly women (2 or 3:1) and individuals with prolonged sun exposure or cervical spine pathology. (1,2,4,8) Outdoor enthusiasts and those in tropical climates are thought to be at higher risk due to skin damage from UV radiation. (8,9,17) Brachioradial pruritus tends to occur more frequently in individuals with lighter skin tones. (9)
Neuropathic itch is more common in patients with systemic triggers like sensory polyneuropathy (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency, chemo-induced, etc.), radiculopathy, lupus, herpes zoster, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. (18,29,30) In general, chronic itching is up to five times more common in fibromyalgia patients (19), which is not surprising considering the prospect of central sensitization.
4. What Are the Symptoms of Brachioradial Pruritus?
Fast Fact — Forearm and arm itching or paresthesia
Brachioradial pruritus symptoms can include intense, localized itching, burning, or tingling typically along the dorsolateral forearm, occasionally extending to the upper arm or even the shoulder. (1,4,5,9) Symptoms are often provoked by sun exposure. (8,9) Brachioradial pruritus symptoms often worsen at night due to sleep-related physiological changes that alter skin function, reduce anti-inflammatory responses, and decrease sensory inhibition. (31) Brachioradial-pruritus is bilateral up to 75% of the time. (9,12,21,22)
5. How Is Brachioradial Pruritus Diagnosed?
Fast Fact — Clinically and via the ice pack sign
Brachioradial pruritus ICD10: L29.9 - Pruritus, unspecified.
A brachioradial pruritus diagnosis is primarily accomplished through clinical history and physical examination. (1,9) Successful management involves identifying contributory cervical and thoracic spinal joint dysfunction, paraspinal hypertonicity, and postural stressors such as upper-crossed syndrome. Imaging studies, such as cervical X-rays or MRIs, are generally unnecessary but may help identify underlying cervical spine abnormalities (i.e., spondylosis or disc lesions).
Decreased pinprick sensation in the arms and forearms is commonly reported in brachioradial pruritus, while reduced deep tendon reflexes are less frequently observed. (7) Electrodiagnostic testing is generally unnecessary; however, an EMG study involving 113 brachioradial pruritus cases revealed demonstrable peripheral nerve involvement, with up to 80-89% of brachioradial-pruritus patients showing abnormalities, particularly at C6 or C7. (7,11)
One unique feature of brachioradial pruritus is that cold therapy often relieves symptoms, distinguishing it from other causes of chronic itch. (5,9,23) The ice pack sign, considered a hallmark diagnostic feature of brachioradial pruritus, involves applying an ice pack to the affected area. Patients typically experience immediate relief from itching, which returns shortly after the ice pack is removed. (9,24)
To learn more about the physiology of ice and how it helps suppress nerve function, check out our recent chiropractic blog on Heat vs. Cold Therapy: Which is Best for Musculoskeletal Injuries, or the corresponding chiropractic podcast on Heat vs Cold Therapy for Chiropractic Injury Recovery.
Brachioradial pruritus differential diagnosis considerations: It is crucial to exclude dermatological causes like eczema or contact dermatitis. Unlike true dermatologic conditions, brachioradial pruritus typically has no visible skin lesions—except for signs of scratching or chronic scratching in more severe cases. (11,20) Patients with autoimmune disorders, including lupus, often experience pruritus on the arms or legs, which can present similarly to brachioradial pruritus. (29,30) Clinicians should be aware of this overlap and carefully evaluate patients to rule out other underlying pathologies.
6. How Is Brachioradial Pruritus Treated?
Fast Fact — Chiropractic care
Effective brachioradial pruritus treatment focuses on addressing cervical spine-related dysfunction, improving neurodynamics, and providing symptom relief. Conservative options include cervical manipulation, manual therapy, traction, modalities, and therapeutic exercise. (5,6,11) Clinicians should prioritize treating the underlying musculoskeletal issues rather than simply masking symptoms. In-office treatment for brachioradial pruritus may include:
Manipulation of cervical and thoracic joint restrictions
Myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization (STM) targeting paraspinal and upper extremity muscles
Nerve release techniques for the radial and/or median nerves- Check out this popular upper extremity neurodynamics blog for a detailed tutorial.
Acupuncture (28)
Cervical traction
TENS therapy (27)
Topical agents like lidocaine may reduce itching, while medications like gabapentin or pregabalin address nerve pain. (1,5,6,26) For severe cases, interventional procedures like nerve blocks or surgical decompression may provide long-term relief. (4,6,20)
7. What Home Care Helps Brachioradial Pruritus?
Fast Fact — Limit nerve irritation, including underlying postural stressors
Arm & neck exercises for brachioradial pruritus can help alleviate symptoms and improve function and mobility. Brachioradial pruritus exercises could include:
Radial Nerve Floss
Median Nerve Floss
Cervical Retractions
Pectoral Stretch
ADL home advice for brachioradial pruritus:
Prevent Sun-Induced Flares: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear protective clothing to minimize flare-ups. (4,5)
Manage Stress: Stress can worsen itch, so techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises may be beneficial. ChiroUp subscribers can download helpful instructional infographics by searching “mind” or “stress” from their Forms Library.
Use Ice: Apply ice packs to itchy areas for temporary relief.
Consider Capsaicin Cream: While not generally recommended for pruritus, (25) some studies suggest that topical application can significantly reduce itch in brachioradial pruritus. (3)
Improve Ergonomics: Optimize seated, standing, and laptop workstations to reduce spinal stress and improve posture. Subscribers can access detailed handouts for the following in the Forms Library:
Seated Workstation
Standing Workstation
Laptop Workstation
Want to relay this information to your patients automatically? Here’s a sample lay condition report for brachioradial pruritus that you can deliver with 4 clicks.
Conclusion
Brachioradial pruritus is a frequently overlooked but treatable condition. This complaint of itchy arms arises from chronic physical irritation and a dysregulated itch control mechanism. Chiropractors can effectively diagnose and manage this challenging complaint by addressing cervical spine dysfunction, promoting healthy posture, and incorporating targeted exercises for relief. By incorporating these strategies, you can become the go-to provider for patients experiencing brachioradial pruritus symptoms.
Bonus content: Want to learn about another common neuropathic itch, Notalgia paresthetica? Check out our top chiropractic blog on 7 Notalgia Paresthetica Facts Every DC Must Own.
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