pinched nerve

thistime38
thistime38 Posts: 62
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Has anyone here ever suffered from a pinched nerve? I have been dealing with mine since April. I have gone to physio and am going to get fascial massage once every couple of weeks. I do feel so much better than i did in april. NO tingling in fingers and no burning in my ears. I have a little more strength in my arms but not much. Does anyone know how long I should wait until i start working out the upper half of my body again? Im just afraid that i will do something that will cause more damage or have me back where i started with the pain. There are still days i feel a twinge of pain down the side of my neck and stretching usually helps that. Ive been told that i am pretty much a victim to my own body. Has anyone had this and if so how did you deal with it and how did you incorporate working again?

Replies

  • SyntonicGarden
    SyntonicGarden Posts: 944 Member
    I've found yoga and a periodic visit to the chiro helps me a LOT.


    Edited: If yoga IS something you're interested in, it's good for rehabilitative measures once you've got the ok from your doctor.

    And as far as chiropractors go, they're all different. My guy does biophysics, which involves a normal manipulation (without the horrible "neck crack" move) as well as exercises involving tension bands and other things that might be found in a physical therapists office.
  • manderson27
    manderson27 Posts: 3,510 Member
    Check with your doctor or physiotherapist they should be able to tell you if it is ok to start again.
  • jallison12
    jallison12 Posts: 83
    Dealing with it now and have had since March. To be accurate, bulging disk inC6-C7 and a little C6-C5. I got PT which included some traction. Also have modified my activity, to reduce eliminate anything hard on the neck. I do a little yoga so I skip a few poses. Not meant to play soccer anymore, but have become a super-sub! And my cardio was non-impact anyway so that is OK.

    I think mainly I just have to change my activity and favor my neck now. Don't think there is anything else to do. Surgery seems way worse that what I have now. Sadly, getting used to it.
  • brendaschmitt1
    brendaschmitt1 Posts: 218
    I had a pitched nerve in my neck last April 2011. I got on a carnival ride and hurt my neck. I tried to go back to the gym right away but I caused it to hurt more. Dont know how severe yours is compared to mine but found out I had three bulging disk in my neck and had to do month of physical therapy and steroid injections. I started walking 7 months later and slowly progress to working out and lifting weights. Now I can workout but I am very careful.
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    thanks for all of the responses!! This doesnt give me much hope. I really want to start working out my arms and have the exercise incorporated with the "diet". I had an xray done and as far as i know i dont have any bulging disks..it showed joint space narrowing in my neck but my dr said that it was normal and probably due to posture. When i went to physio the physiotherapist did all of his poking and prodding and determined because of my limited mobilty in my next and the tingling in my fingers that it is a pinched nerve. He did traction and the TENS machine and that helped so much but like i said im still not back at 100 percent. The massage is really helping with releasing stress in my body..it took away my daily headaches caused by the pinched nerve as well as many other benefits. I am going to massage tomorrow so I will ask my physiotherapist tomorrow what he thinks.

    Thanks again :)
  • jallison12
    jallison12 Posts: 83
    Also, when I first started getting the symptoms the pain was really unbearable. I would take strong painkillers at night just to get some sleep. Now the symptoms have regressed to annoying. But I do take one medicine still. Called Elavil, one at night. Is actually an old anti-depressant, but is now prescribed for nerve pain. I think really a combination of all I've done, with cutting back stuff and perhaps the med is working for me.

    BTW, went to yoga today and there's a move where you do plank, down to low push up (but not on the ground - called chaduranga) then push up to up-dog, then push back to down-dog. Did more of these than I have in some months. My left tricep is killing me, but I did it!
    {self ^5}

    Good luck
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    I feel for ya! I've got pinched nerves c2/3, c4/5/6 & been 2yrs. All the chiros,PT, shots, drugs, nothin worked. Till I found trigger point therapy. IDK where your trouble is (mine-neck) but I get drug free relief from rolling a lacrosse ball between my back and a wall, rubbing the ball on the trigger point, it releases, and seems to help. Went with self-massage bc couldn't afford 3xs a wk ( what I needed for relief) also, radio frequency ablations( burning the nerves put) has helped. Have to have it done yearly. But since last one, in June I've started lifting heavy for me, dr said now is when I nd to build strength . So I'm workin on it. I stop just shy of pain. ( really pushin it). Where is your pinched nerve ?
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    Also, ask physio about A-STYM it's a type of massage. Or GuaSha, both other types of therapy/ massage that helped with my whiplash.
  • ArtemisMoon
    ArtemisMoon Posts: 144
    I have lived with a chronic pinched nerve for...12 years I think. First surfaced behind my left shoulder after I got my first desk job, and seems to be associated with bad office chairs. If I have good back and arm support, I don't usually have pain. But if I am on my feet all day with no arm support (at theme parks I will wear packs that I can use as makeshift slings), or I sit in an armless chair with poor back support for very long, it hurts like crazy. I have never had it interfere with working out though, so I'm not sure I can help you with any suggestions. Especially as I am not clear on where it is. Finding a comfortable, supportive positions while sitting or laying seems to be my best remedy for the pain, as finding just the right position can take the pressure off the nerve. Might take a while for it to stop hurting though even if you do find just the right position so you have to be patient. Pain relievers usually don't help me.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    I have pinched nerves from C2 down to T7/8. It started 6 years ago, and while the doctor started me on strong anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, the most help I ever got was finding a fantastic chiro. I've been seeing him for 4 years now, and have only had 2 flair ups in the last two years, both treated and gone within a week. One of the best things you can do is gentle movement and stretching - moving the muscles affected will help the soreness.
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    Also, when I first started getting the symptoms the pain was really unbearable. I would take strong painkillers at night just to get some sleep. Now the symptoms have regressed to annoying. But I do take one medicine still. Called Elavil, one at night. Is actually an old anti-depressant, but is now prescribed for nerve pain. I think really a combination of all I've done, with cutting back stuff and perhaps the med is working for me.

    BTW, went to yoga today and there's a move where you do plank, down to low push up (but not on the ground - called chaduranga) then push up to up-dog, then push back to down-dog. Did more of these than I have in some months. My left tricep is killing me, but I did it!
    {self ^5}

    Good luck

    Ive only ever had to take advil a few times to be honest i have been taking magnesium for pain relief. I take it for pain, and to help me sleep! Im happy that you starting to feel better with the yoga thats awesome. I need to get to that point. I think for me i have to stop doing what hurts and thats lifting and reaching. So maybe i just need to be more aware and ask for more help and hopefully start to feel better.
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    I feel for ya! I've got pinched nerves c2/3, c4/5/6 & been 2yrs. All the chiros,PT, shots, drugs, nothin worked. Till I found trigger point therapy. IDK where your trouble is (mine-neck) but I get drug free relief from rolling a lacrosse ball between my back and a wall, rubbing the ball on the trigger point, it releases, and seems to help. Went with self-massage bc couldn't afford 3xs a wk ( what I needed for relief) also, radio frequency ablations( burning the nerves put) has helped. Have to have it done yearly. But since last one, in June I've started lifting heavy for me, dr said now is when I nd to build strength . So I'm workin on it. I stop just shy of pain. ( really pushin it). Where is your pinched nerve ?


    How long have you been dealing with these pinched nerves? I know everyone is different but just curious. Mine is in my neck. So the pain im getting is down either side of the neck and in my shoulders where my bra strap lies. I have a little more strenght in my arms and shoulders than i did have, but i still get weakness in my tricep and the bend of my arms.
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    I have pinched nerves from C2 down to T7/8. It started 6 years ago, and while the doctor started me on strong anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, the most help I ever got was finding a fantastic chiro. I've been seeing him for 4 years now, and have only had 2 flair ups in the last two years, both treated and gone within a week. One of the best things you can do is gentle movement and stretching - moving the muscles affected will help the soreness.

    I agree the stretches and exercises my physiotherapist has shown me to do works wonders.
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    I feel for ya! I've got pinched nerves c2/3, c4/5/6 & been 2yrs. All the chiros,PT, shots, drugs, nothin worked. Till I found trigger point therapy. IDK where your trouble is (mine-neck) but I get drug free relief from rolling a lacrosse ball between my back and a wall, rubbing the ball on the trigger point, it releases, and seems to help. Went with self-massage bc couldn't afford 3xs a wk ( what I needed for relief) also, radio frequency ablations( burning the nerves put) has helped. Have to have it done yearly. But since last one, in June I've started lifting heavy for me, dr said now is when I nd to build strength . So I'm workin on it. I stop just shy of pain. ( really pushin it). Where is your pinched nerve ?


    How long have you been dealing with these pinched nerves? I know everyone is different but just curious. Mine is in my neck. So the pain im getting is down either side of the neck and in my shoulders where my bra strap lies. I have a little more strenght in my arms and shoulders than i did have, but i still get weakness in my tricep and the bend of my arms.
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    That is exactly where mine is, my traps are constantly having spasms, I have a large chest & dr recommended a breast reduction, which I don't want but feel sure it would help. Today I wore a bathing suit that tied around my neck ....yowzah! I'm determined to lift as heavy as possible though, wanna see some change like everybody's talking about !!! Plus, at the end of the day my necks gonna hurt, workout or not !!! Keep on keepin on rite ?!?!!!!
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    It will be 2 yrs in August. Do you have a good pillow for neck support ? I have a tempurpedic contour pillow. The dr that burns my nerves out recommended it, might help you feel better and get some rest.
  • jallison12
    jallison12 Posts: 83
    If you look on my profile I uploaded a picture of the best pillow I've had in years. First night was brilliant and continues to be. I got this through a chiro for about $40. They come soft, medium and firm. If you search google or ebay am sure you can find similar.

    We have a tempurpedic mattress and pillow and I did use the pillow for a long time. Never felt right though.
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    That is exactly where mine is, my traps are constantly having spasms, I have a large chest & dr recommended a breast reduction, which I don't want but feel sure it would help. Today I wore a bathing suit that tied around my neck ....yowzah! I'm determined to lift as heavy as possible though, wanna see some change like everybody's talking about !!! Plus, at the end of the day my necks gonna hurt, workout or not !!! Keep on keepin on rite ?!?!!!!

    i have the same issue with a large chest. I would love to get a reduction! I was given the go ahead yesterday to work out just not to do anything over my head for now. Im excited to see change as well im at a point in my life where i really want this for me!
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    If you look on my profile I uploaded a picture of the best pillow I've had in years. First night was brilliant and continues to be. I got this through a chiro for about $40. They come soft, medium and firm. If you search google or ebay am sure you can find similar.

    We have a tempurpedic mattress and pillow and I did use the pillow for a long time. Never felt right though.

    That pillow does look comfortable but would be no good for a stomach sleeper<<thats me!! Its probably the worst positon to sleep in when you have a pinched nerve and i start off on my side but i end up on my stomach before i even go to sleep.
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    Yeh. Worst position per my dr. For a bad neck. Side sleeper ( that was me) ( still is sometimes) but all professionals have told me to roll a hand towel up ( fold in half 1st) and lay on tour back . This is how my pillow is basically. Sometimes it's just to painful. Do your muscles hurt running up back if your head? Mine do. They get aggravated by squats & lifting too heavy. I think we have to determine the thin line between good pain & bad. And what u said about not lifting over your head, well I have a dr appt Tuesday. I'm gonna ask. He'd prob give up on me if I told him I'm lifting two 15lb d.bells over head.... PT told me 3-5lb....but I REALLY, like you said, wanna do this, I want to see a change dispute this dumb neck/ nerve thing !!!!
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    Yeh. Worst position per my dr. For a bad neck. Side sleeper ( that was me) ( still is sometimes) but all professionals have told me to roll a hand towel up ( fold in half 1st) and lay on tour back . This is how my pillow is basically. Sometimes it's just to painful. Do your muscles hurt running up back if your head? Mine do. They get aggravated by squats & lifting too heavy. I think we have to determine the thin line between good pain & bad. And what u said about not lifting over your head, well I have a dr appt Tuesday. I'm gonna ask. He'd prob give up on me if I told him I'm lifting two 15lb d.bells over head.... PT told me 3-5lb....but I REALLY, like you said, wanna do this, I want to see a change dispute this dumb neck/ nerve thing !!!!

    yes i had the pain up the back of my head and head headaches every day for 2 weeks straight until i got the fascial massage and she release the muscles so no more pain there. I did squats the other day and was fine ..heavy lifting kills my neck and shoulders. Be careful with the weights lol you might do more damage than good. You will still see a chance with 3-5 lbs just do more sets. My pt told me that nerves grow about half and inch a month but if i keep doing things to re injure myself of course its going to take longer. So im being very care not to do anything to hurt myself. I find im more susceptible to injury after my massage because every is so loose. Btw my traps are bad too my massage therapist did a job on them yesterday it was very painful but feels really good now.
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    Oh, I hear ya on the take it easy ! It's just that it's been 2 yrs & I want this so bad I believe I can make it to the "other side" by building up good muscle in my neck, traps, back, etc. that's interesting about the nerves growing. I had my 1st ablation last year, and was very surprised when doc said they grow back together , said it takes 6-24months. Mine are about 9mos. I thought'd be like a vasectomy! LOL. Meanwhile, maybe I'll take it down a notch, back it down to 5&8lbs. ...and keep it below my shoulders...
  • thistime38
    thistime38 Posts: 62
    Oh, I hear ya on the take it easy ! It's just that it's been 2 yrs & I want this so bad I believe I can make it to the "other side" by building up good muscle in my neck, traps, back, etc. that's interesting about the nerves growing. I had my 1st ablation last year, and was very surprised when doc said they grow back together , said it takes 6-24months. Mine are about 9mos. I thought'd be like a vasectomy! LOL. Meanwhile, maybe I'll take it down a notch, back it down to 5&8lbs. ...and keep it below my shoulders...

    lmao vasectomy lol funny! good luck with everything in that regards keep me posted. I know you will get there i can see the determination in your posts. I feel the same way, this is only my first week back to clean eating(or as clean as i can) and excercise and i can already see and feel a difference in my waist and stomach. PS im going to talk to my dr about a possible breast reduction ;) if i get a referral from her its free lol..if not i am looking at 4-6 thousand dollars :S
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