Why Floss More Than Just Your Teeth: The Radial Nerve
It never fails.
At every single vendor show, without exception, a handful of people step up to my booth, rotate their arm just so, rub the back of their hand or forearm, and say something like:
“Right here. This spot feels weird.”
Or
“It burns.”
Or
“My hand just… doesn’t want to cooperate.”
Not vague.
Not imaginary.
But specific — like their body is pointing out a crime scene.
And every time, I get to gently say:
“Ahhh. Yep. That stinks like radial nerve irritation.”
Cue the confusion.
Cue the blinking.
Cue the wait… what nerve? face.
Because what they’re feeling isn’t a muscle pulling a stunt or a joint being dramatic — it’s the radial nerve, quietly (or not so quietly) protesting the way modern life treats arms, wrists, and shoulders.
And sadly, nerves are fast to get angry…
and painfully slow to calm down.
Good news: there is something you can do about it.
And it does not require:
A doctor
A surgeon
A pharmacist
Health insurance
A second mortgage
Or sacrificing a goat under a full moon while chanting in Latin
No referrals.
No co-pays.
No “let’s check back in six months.”
Bad news:
Nerves are like toddlers, once they are mad plan on spending a good deal of time to get them functioning again.
But a simple, gentle technique can help your nerve calm down, regain mobility, and remember how to behave — and it often leaves people feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time.
So… What Is the Radial Nerve (and Why Is It Acting Like This)?
The radial nerve is one of the major communication highways running from your neck, through your shoulder, down the back of your arm, across the elbow, and into your forearm and hand.
It plays a big role in:
Extending your elbow, wrist, and fingers
Stabilizing your wrist during grip
Providing sensation to the back of the hand, thumb side, and forearm
Translation:
👉 It’s responsible for a lot of what your arm and hand do all day — especially pushing, lifting, gripping, and stabilizing.
When the radial nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or overstimulated (hello posture, repetitive motion, and stress), it can show up as:
Burning or aching along the back of the arm or forearm
Sharp or electric sensations near the elbow
Wrist or hand weakness
Pain when straightening the arm or wrist
Back-of-hand discomfort near the thumb
If you use your arms a lot — makers, parents, herbalists, hairstylists, desk dwellers, dog-leash holders, doom-scrollers — this is incredibly common.
And often, very fixable.
Radial Nerve Flossing: Still Not As Weird As It Sounds
Radial nerve flossing (also called nerve gliding) is a gentle movement that helps the nerve slide smoothly through surrounding tissues instead of getting stuck and cranky.
Think of nerve irritation like:
A hoodie string jammed halfway through
A garden hose bent at the worst possible angle
Headphones tangled beyond all reason
When nerves don’t move well, they complain.
Sometimes loudly.
Sometimes constantly.
When they glide well, they calm down, do their job, and stop making you wonder if something is seriously wrong.
Flossing helps restore movement, circulation, and comfort — without forcing anything.
This is not “push through the pain” energy.
This is “respect the nervous system and let it reset” energy.
Why Radial Nerve Flossing Helps With Arm & Hand Pain
Radial nerve flossing can help because it:
✨ Reduces nerve irritation
Less compression = fewer angry signals firing.
✨ Improves circulation
Better blood flow supports healing and tissue health.
✨ Decreases burning & zapping sensations
That electric feeling is often a nerve asking for room.
✨ Improves strength and coordination
Clear nerve signals help muscles do what they’re supposed to do.
✨ Helps arms and hands relax
Which is huge — because tense arms are exhausting to live with.
How to Floss Your Radial Nerve
(See attached infographic)
Remember:
Gentle. Slow. Respectful.
No jerking
No forcing
No dramatic flair
If it hurts, back off.
Repeat 5–10 times, 2–3 times per day.
You should feel a mild stretch or sensation — not pain.
Consistency > Intensity
Nerves hate “hit it once and ghost it” relationships.
And they definitely are not impressed by last-minute panic visits.
Just like tooth flossing:
Once feels like a sympathy vote
Regularly actually changes your life
Daily nerve flossing helps:
Prevent nerve meltdowns before they happen
Reduce chronic arm and hand discomfort
Keep nerves mobile in the most unhinged of life moments
Think of this as preventative maintenance, not emergency damage control.
Pair It With Supportive Topical Care
You’ll often get quicker results when surrounding tissues are calm and supported.
✨ Arnica Salve can help soothe overworked muscles along the nerve pathway
✨ Purple Grass Balm supports comfort, circulation, and recovery
Your arms will notice.
Your hands will notice.
And honestly — you’ll probably wonder why no one explained this sooner…..and for free even.
You’re welcome. 💜
A Friendly “Boring” Heads-Up:
I am not a doctor. I do not play one on the internet. I did not wake up with a medical degree and a complimentary breakfast.
And no, my website does not magically grant me medical licensure. This information is for educational purposes only — meaning I’m here to help you understand what your body might be doing, not to diagnose it, treat it, cure it, or hand out prescriptions like candy at a parade. If your pain is severe, sudden, getting worse, or doing that thing where your inner voice goes, “Uhh… this feels above my pay grade,” please pause and go talk to a licensed medical professional — preferably one with diplomas on the wall, student loan debt, and malpractice insurance. Use your best judgment. Listen to your body. And when in doubt — get checked out.
But if your nerve is just acting like an overtired, overstimulated toddler who skipped their nap and is now screaming because the cup is the wrong color… this is for you. We’re about to talk flossing. No mint flavor required. 😌
