What is Erb's Palsy and how do babies get it?

Erb’s palsy occurs when there is an injury to the cervical nerve roots, C5 and C6 (Brachial Plexus)

It commonly occurs due birth injury in a baby during difficult labor. Tugging and pulling on the infant's head during birth pulls on the nerves and can severely damage the nerves coming from the neck going down to the hand.  It can also occur in adults due to bike accidents or fall when the shoulder is pulled downward and the head is tilted. 

Erb's Palsy involves the deltoid muscle, which helps in lifting the arm upwards and other shoulder muscles that help with rotating the arms.  It is also known as "waiters tip deformity" because the arm is straight down the side of the body with the palm of the hand pointing up as if a waiter is asking a bribe or tip from someone. 

What can be done for Erb's Palsy?

Surgery is sometimes performed but in many cases, new borns can get a gentle, safe, adjustment to the neck by a Chiropractor to help lessen the stretching of the nerves.  When these nerves start to relax they can regenerate and normal movement can be restored.

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health. She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between. Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!

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Hours in the mission district, San Francisco

Monday

8-12pm

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

3-6PM

Thursday

8-12PM

Friday

3-8PM

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Hours in the mission district, San Francisco

Monday
8-12pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
3-6PM
Thursday
8-12PM
Friday
3-8PM
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed