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guitarnan Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Maryland
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Posted: April 06 2013 at 9:21pm | IP Logged
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Hi everyone,
I've pinched a nerve in my shoulder and can't get it to release...every time I drive or lift my arm above my head, three of my fingers go numb, and there's discomfort in my shoulder area that lasts for a long time.
Our insurance doesn't cover chiropractic or acupuncture, but I would consider paying for these treatments if I knew they would work for sure.
I know I can get a physical therapy referral, but I don't know if PT is worth the effort.
If you've had experience with this type of injury, I would appreciate any insights you can provide.
I think I injured myself by sleeping on my side, while sharing a bed with Dancing Daughter at the World Championships. I am being very careful about sleeping positions now, but I can't avoid driving, which seems to be the main pain/numbness trigger.
Thanks in advance for any info/advice you can provide.
__________________ Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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pmeilaen Forum All-Star
Joined: Sept 07 2008 Location: New York
Online Status: Offline Posts: 565
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Posted: April 07 2013 at 11:12pm | IP Logged
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Our insurance doesn't cover a chiropractor either, but we use one for injuries like that with great success. I have never had success with acupuncture, but I love chiropractors. Ours only charges $30.00 per treatment! Make sure your chiropractor has a D.C. and comes with good recommendations.
You could try magnesium citrate to relax the muscles or do some of the excercises from the Core Program.
__________________ Eva
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Aagot Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 06 2010
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Posted: April 08 2013 at 1:33am | IP Logged
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Three thumbs up for chiropractors. This pain is common from lifting weight ( boxes, kids, books, suitcases,etc) over your head. Yes, it can be fixed with a simple adjustment. It would be nice, but not necessary, to find a DC who also does accupressure. Just like MD's there are those DC who spend 5 minutes with you and those who spend 20 + minites with you, with little difference in cost!
Hope you find a great one soon.
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mom2mpr Forum All-Star
Joined: May 16 2006 Location: N/A
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Posted: April 08 2013 at 7:56am | IP Logged
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I did PT and it did help. Also, I totally believe in massage and try to get one every month, however, when in PT I don't have the $$. I was also able to get some neck exercises in the PT sessions and they helped, too. Seems the shoulder and neck are connected I only went 4 times and I have the tools now and when I start feeling numb and tingly, I start My exercises again.
__________________ Anne, married to dh 16 years!, ds,(97), Little One (02), and dd (02).
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Kathryn Forum All-Star
Joined: April 24 2009 Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline Posts: 1520
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Posted: April 09 2013 at 11:30pm | IP Logged
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I went to chiro for sciatic pain after waiting and enduring it for about 7 months. It only realllly hurt when I sat for long periods but then it was unbearable to walk. I did search on-line for some stretching and that helped but I finally went to chiro and after just a few visits, it hasn't bothered me like that again. I think I've had a couple of times where I went back 1 or 2x for an adjustment but that was it. So, as skeptical as I was too, it certainly worked for that pain. And it was only about $30 a session so not too bad to finally be pain-free, without meds or surgery. It's worth at least an initial consult I think. Good luck!
__________________ Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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Mrs. B Forum Rookie
Joined: Aug 03 2010
Online Status: Offline Posts: 90
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Posted: April 25 2013 at 10:47am | IP Logged
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Something like this might help. http://www.amazon.com/Trademark-Arched-Lumbar-Stretcher-Exte nder/dp/B004GTN3FU/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1366 904836&sr=1-2&keywords=back+stretchers
__________________ ~ * mama to a houseful~ *
dd-10, ds-8, dd-5, ds-2
and a bunch of rabbits, a pack of dogs, a clowder of cats, and some fish.
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CSBasile Forum Rookie
Joined: May 27 2012
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Posted: April 26 2013 at 3:15pm | IP Logged
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Have you tried rubbing in with a muscle pain ointment and then putting a heating pad on it? I have a similar injury, sustained while walking on wet tile floors during our recent floods (I fell hard on my shoulder). I couldn't lift my fingers above my shoulder, my fingers would tingle and it was very difficult to drive because I couldn't life my left hand high enough on the driving wheel. I've been using the muscle pain ointment and heating pad for the last week, and it is getting better. Warm showers have been wonderful too, or a jacuzzi if you have access to one. Mine had alot of swelling; has the swelling has gone down I have been slowly trying to fit my arm higher and it is getting easier.
Praying for you!
Cheryl
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cathhomeschool Board Moderator
Texas Bluebonnets
Joined: Jan 26 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: April 26 2013 at 8:34pm | IP Logged
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Oh, wow! Numbness in my fingers and a pinched nerve in my neck is a regular problem for me because of herniated discs. PT helps a lot, but there are also some great things you can try at home, Nancy. Do it yourself joint pain relief has some great tips for getting muscles to release so that the nerves in different areas of the body are no longer pinched. (He focuses on joint pain, but it works for the pinching too.) Another thing that helps me is nerve gliding. Nerve gliding youtube video. My physical therapist has me hold each nerve gliding position for a few seconds before moving on. If you feel numbness during the position, back off a bit. Repeat several times a day.
I hope you feel better!
__________________ Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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cathhomeschool Board Moderator
Texas Bluebonnets
Joined: Jan 26 2005 Location: Texas
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Posted: April 26 2013 at 8:35pm | IP Logged
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Nancy, I just noticed that your OP was weeks ago! I hope that you are better now!
__________________ Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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