What Motorcyclists Need to Know About Biker's Arm
Motorcycles can
be fun. But that fun is not without risk and some would call them inherently
dangerous because of their two-wheel frame and lack of cabin protection for the
rider and their passenger. They just aren't designed to absorb some of the
destructive energy from crashes like automobiles, trucks and other covered
vehicles are. Furthermore, other motorists sometimes other motorists find it
difficult to see riders on the road. Luckily, most accidents don't end with
life-threatening injuries. Research shows that with the proper gear and training accidents
can be prevented or at least minimize the injuries. But when a motorcycle crash
does happen biker's arm is a common injury.
What causes Biker's Arm?
Biker's Arm, also called rider's arm, is broad category of
injuries to the nerves in the upper arm that occurs when a biker either lands
on their arm in a crash or the motorcycle lands on their arm. This injury typically occurs when the rider
naturally tries to brace for a fall and uses the arms to protect or brace
themselves for. When this occurs the rider often causes nerve damage in the arm
that can result in limited mobility, and in more serious cases, result in
partial or complete paralysis of the arm or hand.
Biker's Arm usually involves damage to one the nerves that
branch from the brachial
plexus at the base of the neck:
Collectively these nerves control the movement arms, hands,
and fingers.
Biker's Arm Symptoms
If you are involved in a (motorcycle crash) you may not
immediately recognize that you have sustained any nerve damage and be suffering
from biker's arm. Injuries may not be immediately notice and could possibly
take weeks before they present themselves. If you are lay your bike down and
use your arm to brace yourself you may have biker's arm if you have any of the
following conditions:
- Unusual sensations/tingling through the arm, hand, and fingers.
- Ability to use your arm, but not your hand and fingers.
- Use of your hand and fingers, but lack of feeling in the upper arm and shoulder.
- Numbness in your arms, hands or fingers.
- Arm paralysis.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident and are experiencing and of these symptoms you should see a physician immediately.
Treatment for Biker's Arm
Treatment for the nerve damage caused by biker's arm and
other motorcycle
injuries can include physical therapy, surgery, massage, chiropractic
treatment, and pain management medication.
Treating nerve damage can be complicated. As a result the ultimate
outcome cannot always be predicted at the onset of treatment. Some injuries
will improve over time with treatment but in the worst cases some riders may
suffer from prolonged or even permanent paralysis resulting in the lack of use
of their arms, hands or fingers.
Can I prevent biker's arm?
Due to the nature of biker's arm the injury can occur in
every type of motorcycle accident. It doesn't matter if the motorcycle crash is
caused by rider error, other motorists, or deteriorating road conditions it is
natural for a rider to attempt to reduce injury by using their arms to brace
for a fall. These injuries are common in the following types of situations:
- Bad weather accidents.
- Inexperienced riders losing control of their motorcycle.
- Riders who are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Left turn and other intersection accidents.
- Motorcycle malfunction accidents.
The best way to prevent biker's arm is to wear the proper
gear on every ride, don't
drink and ride, keep your skills up to
date, and make sure your motorcycle is well maintained. You can't avoid all accidents but you can
surely reduce the chances they occur and minimize the damage they cause.
What happens if I am involved in an accident?
As with
any automobile accident the consequences for all involved are potentially life
altering and devastating. If an
accident while riding a motorcycle, the liability or fault for the accident
will most likely be attributed to the negligent party. Therefore, any medical
injuries or damages to personal property of everyone involved in the accident
will be the responsibility of the that person. A professional familiar
with the nuances of these complex issues is a great resource to consult in
these situations and can help you determine damages,
liability, and other factors relevant to the resolution of your matter.
