I have a reoccuring pain in my shoulder blade and my neck...it hurts me at least every three weeks for the past 4 months.... I think it might be a pinched nerve....but it keeps coming back...it hurts so bad....usually the pain will go away in about 3 or 4 days....but comes back all the time.... i dont have insurance to see a doctor...so ia m really not sure... any ideas?
2006-10-11 12:28:55 · 7 answers · asked by Stacey Lee 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
For the comment said below, which i forgot to mention, I do carry heavy weight on my left arm everyday, i am a server and we carry large trays with some heavy plates with one arm.... i know this is probably what caused it .... it is just really annoying b/c i have ot work....
2006-10-12 07:17:30 · update #1
Pain due to a pinched nerve usually worsens with certain positions of the neck (usually looking down) and it gets progressively worse the more that motion is repeated or the longer that position is held. Usually another direction or position will help relieve or lessen the symptoms. This is what is identified as "directional preference" and is a key indicator for a cervical disc problem that is causing a pinched nerve. Usually, doctors will prescribe medication and send you to physical therapy. Some people also try chiropractic care. However, if you are unable to financially do this, I recommend getting a copy of Robin McKenzie's book "How to treat your own neck." It will help you identify whether the pain is due to a disc, posture, or restricted muscles/ligaments (and if it fits none of those you NEED to see a doctor to make sure it's not due to referred pain from a medical cause such as a gall bladder problem, or lung problem. etc.).
Robin McKenzie is a physical therapist from New Zeland who is reknowned for his work with cervical and lumbar disc problems. His methods are the widest researched and supported physical therapy method and has been shown to be as effective as manual therapy (manipulation). His book is available at most major book stores.
This is just one approach and is not neccessarily appropriate for everyone, but given your situation, is a great place to start. Many people are able to treat themselves, but some need some extra guidance from a physical therapist
2006-10-11 12:44:57 · answer #1 · answered by mistify 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try Icy Hot Patches for quick relief. Use that with Ibuprofen or Tylenol and you will have temporary relief from you discomfort. You will need to see a doctor to determine if it is really a "pinched nerve" or if there is really some damage caused by your activities. Are you into sports? Could be damage from that. If you carry things on one shoulder that is heavy, such as a purse, you compensate the weight with you other shoulder causing a condition known as bursitis. It can come and go.
Sleeping positions can also aggrivate the pain. Make sure your pillow is level with the rest of your body. Don't let you head be too high or too low. Try not to sleep on your stomach with a pillow...causes neck pain because your head is higher than your natural spine curves. A simple x-ray could help. See your doctor.
2006-10-11 12:37:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use ice for 15 minutes on the area that feels the worst. Make sure you have a towel around the ice pack so you don't hurt the skin/tissue. Then, while it's numbed from the ice, very gently stand facing a wall and slowly "walk" your hand up the wall until you begin to feel even the slightest twinge. Stop immediately at that point and put moist heat on the same area - again for only 15 minutes. Do that in the AM, mid-day and again before bed. As it feels better, "walk" farther up the door. If you get stuck at any point and the pain doesn't get better, you need to find a free clinic in your area and see a rehabilitation specialist or physical therapist.
2006-10-11 12:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by sunflowerjean63 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly what it is honest and upfront. I have a habit of sleeping with my arm tucked under my pillow and yes the shoulder hurts sometimes when I get up, just a fact of getting older along with other aches and pains, hey the body does wear out, trust me I know. Accept that fact and move on
2016-03-13 06:00:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are low cost health clinics or free clinics that can help u or you can try some sinple straching excercises yo limbert up your shoulder but this will also make your shoulder hurt
2006-10-11 12:33:00 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do military presses with enormous amounts of weight. Like, 200+ lbs.
2006-10-11 12:36:56 · answer #6 · answered by ergonomia 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you tried massage therapy? It could be a tight muscle pressing on a nerve or something.
2006-10-11 12:40:06 · answer #7 · answered by margarita 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋