"Why Hitting Your Funny Bone Isn't Funny: The Anatomy of Pain and Numbness Explained"

Have you ever accidentally bumped your elbow on the corner of a table and felt a sharp, paralyzing pain that radiated through your arm? If so, you're not alone. This common phenomenon is caused by hitting one of the weak spots in our bodies.

Contrary to what many people think, the pain isn't caused by hitting the elbow bone, but by hitting the ulnar nerve. This nerve runs from the neck down to the fingers and is responsible for the movement and sensation in the ring and little fingers, as well as a large part of the hand and forearm. However, the ulnar nerve has a blind spot that leaves it unprotected in a small space at the elbow called the ulnar canal.

When we bump our elbow in this area, the nerve gets crushed between the bone and skin, sending a signal to our brain that something is wrong, resulting in a sharp pain and numbness similar to the feeling when a limb "falls asleep." The paralyzing sensation spreads through the arm, followed by a constant tingling and numbness in the ring and little fingers.

Fortunately, the uncomfortable sensation usually goes away after a few minutes, but if the area becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause a condition called cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition results in intense, throbbing pain that can last for extended periods of time.

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Next time you bump your elbow, remember that it's not your bone causing the pain, but your unprotected ulnar nerve, reminding you to be more careful around tables and other hard objects.