Pinched Nerves In My Neck

Pcola Girl · 05-02-2008, 02:31 PM

I just found out from my doctor that I have two pinched nerves in my neck area. The MRI I had on it showed it. It causes my neck and my left arm to hurt really bad. I have to wear my neck brace now when I am here at my computer because it will start hurting me bad.
He said that if it keep hurting this bad that I will need surgery on it.

Have any of you ever had this problem with pinched nerves in the neck?

I put ice on it at night so I can rest, It hurts to even put my head on a pillow anymore, I have to lay my head flat now or my neck will hurt.

Leo41 · 05-07-2008, 07:14 AM

I have had 3 episodes of pinched nerve in my neck, and I can sympathize with your pain. No medication did anything but take the edge off. However, all three times, the pain was resolved within a week (I know it seemed like a month!).

My doctor prescribed the collar for daytime at work, but I didn't get any relief. I found that I needed to take time off from work and lay flat (head not on a pillow) with a heating pad. The pain resolved very, very slowly, and immobility (relaxing as much as possible with no strain on the neck) and heat was essential. I also took hot showers and let the water beat on my neck--the wet heat is good.

I haven't had an episode in at least 18 months. Stress and tension seem to bring it on, so I'm careful to rest and relax at the first sign of tension in my shoulder/neck area.

I hope you can resolve this.

Pcola Girl · 05-08-2008, 11:36 AM

My pain in my neck is there all the time. Some days it is worse than others.
I have had the pain so severe that I had to go to the ER w ith it, thats when they did the MRI on it to find the pich nerves. MY doctor said if it keeps on like this I may need surgery on it.
Not looking forward to that at all.

That neck collor does nothing for my pain, nor ice or heat. Sometimes even pain pills will not stop the pain. It rediates all the way down my arm into my hand. Its awful.

Leo41 · 05-08-2008, 04:30 PM

I understand and am sorry that I have no solution for you. My first episode sent me to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack--pain radiating down my left arm, etc. I know of no immediate relief (collar doesn't help; pills are not much help) because NERVE pain is a class by itself. All I can offer is the fact that my pain resolved within a week (each episode) by relaxing as much as possible, lying down, and using heat and wet heat often.

The problem is that the pain makes you tense, and that's the worst possible reaction, as it stokes the situation. I had to consciously work against my tendency to tense up with the pain--and it's not easy.

That said, there are all kinds of pinched nerves, and your situation may require surgery (as your doctor mentioned). I don't know of anyone who has had surgery for the problem. You might ask your doctor about physical therapy because a great deal of the pain is from muscle spasm, and PT may be able to alleviate that.

Pcola Girl · 05-09-2008, 03:41 PM

I met a lady one day in the doctors medical clinic once and she had surgery on the same two pinched nerves as I have and she said it was wonderful not to have all that pain anymore. She said they just removed some of the bone from the spine that was pinching it.
I never knew they did surgery on it either until my doctor mentioned it to me.
It hurts me all the time, I keep a painful burning at the pinch nerve area constantly.
I know I will eventually have to have something done to it because its not even trying to feel any better.

Cats for Texas · 05-09-2008, 04:26 PM

A few things to try; they helped me to varying degrees:
Chiropracter: just find a good one who doesn't try to sell you all kinds of things. Get recommendations.
Massage: a good masseuse can do wonders to loosen up tight muscles caused by the pinched nerves
Shots: check with your doc. Something to try before surgery.

good luck.

Doug K · 05-09-2008, 05:20 PM

I have some of these symptoms. I went to a physical therapist last year. She diagnosed it as thoracic outlet syndrome. I haven't been for a while, and I haven't done the exercises in a while, and it has come back somewhat. But it has helped, especially the ultrasound heating on my shoulder and neck.

Adream · 05-09-2008, 05:41 PM

I've had neck problems for years due to an injury 20 years ago. I've been going to chiropractors for all this time. When you find a good one, they can help immensely!

When you check out a chiropractor, always make sure that they were Palmer College of Chiropractic graduates. That schools turns out physicians who really know their stuff! Palmer College of Chiropractic, Home Page

Good luck, it's no fun to go through this. I hope you find relief soon.

Pcola Girl · 05-10-2008, 03:32 PM

I will never go to a Chiropractor. I went to one once with my back and he hurt me so bad that I had to leave his office and get my husband to take me to the emergency room.
The Chiropractor acted like he did nothing wrong but the pain he inflicted on my back and neck at that time was so painful that I could barely walk out his office.
The emergency room called in a orthepedic doctor and when They sent for my records at the Chiropractor they unfortunately could not be found and were lost.
They were covering themselves . To this day I feel they destroyed my records.
I was told to never go to another chiropractor again.
By the way I ended up having surgery on my back for two herniated disc.

Stackeyha · 05-11-2008, 05:56 AM

I understand how you feel about that chiro with regards to your experience. All that I can say is that I'm really sorry that happened.

I've had a lot of success with all manner of pain with 3 different chiropractors...but I could tell your same story with regard to OBs...see the thing is...it's not CHIROPRACTIC that is the problem...it's people. I've had horrible luck with obs too, one that spent 3 months threatening me with dire consequences...then when I considered leaving, KICKED me out 2 days before my due date and STILL ended up delivering me because she was on call the night I went to the ER...I had one that during a routine pelvic exam made me bleed so badly I had to check into the hospital to get it stopped...but then again...it's not obstetrics that is exactly the problem, it's the doctors in the field. I've had one really REALLY great one and that helped me realize that they are not all out to get me.

For us we use both chiropractic (on a bi-weekly basis for my dd) and orthopedics. My dd has a hip condition (Legg Perthes) that the orthopedics say basically as it grows back she MAY need a hip replacement but for now here are some exercises (which we use) and they X-Ray us every 6-9 months to see where in the process that she is...and the chiro keeps her back straight, because with a bum hip after a week or so all the joints collapse like a house of cards and she can barely walk...not because the hip hurts but because every thing else does...so we go back to the chiro and he straightens it out again and she can be a comfortable kid again.

I would suggest interviewing chiros...and actually because of your particular injury I would actually LOOK for one that wants you in there 3 times a week for a couple of months, simply because they make VERY gentle adjustments over time...you aren't going to feel better right away...but with little adjustments it'll get into place over time.

I personally prefer the kind of chiro that sets it all straight in one visit (or one every once in a while)...but I have no particular injury...in your case...slower might be easier.

But if you really won't, I do understand that too...just thought I give you some other thoughts on it. Personnally I WAY prefer midwives to OBs now.

Adream · 05-12-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pcola Girl

I will never go to a Chiropractor. I went to one once with my back and he hurt me so bad that I had to leave his office and get my husband to take me to the emergency room.
The Chiropractor acted like he did nothing wrong but the pain he inflicted on my back and neck at that time was so painful that I could barely walk out his office.
The emergency room called in a orthepedic doctor and when They sent for my records at the Chiropractor they unfortunately could not be found and were lost.
They were covering themselves . To this day I feel they destroyed my records.
I was told to never go to another chiropractor again.
By the way I ended up having surgery on my back for two herniated disc.

That's a shame that this happened to you - I can certainly understand your reluctance to go to another chiropractor. Sadly, it's a chiropractor like that one who gives the entire group a bad name.

For general information; whenever searching for a chiropractor, always choose a "Chiropractic Physician," never just "Chiropractor." The difference is a 7-year education versus a 3-year. A chiropractic physician will adjust gently, often required weekly return visits until the vertabrae are properly positioned.

Pcola Girl · 05-12-2008, 11:57 AM

I know it was just the doctor and not all Chiropractors. but now my discs are are so bad that if I cannot let a Chiroprictor touch them anymore. I have spinal arthritis now and it has weaken all my disc so I have to be careful with them.

auntiem59 · 05-18-2008, 08:22 AM

I have the very same thing in my neck except that my pain shows up as intense pain in the elbow and the right hand, sometimes the left hand as well. I do not want the surgery for right now so my doctor prescribed lunesta and loracet. I take them both at the same time at night and it is the only way I can sleep. Usually within 3 days my pain is gone.

I ocassionally use the loracet in the day time to relieve pain as well. That is when it is really bad. Maybe you could ask your doc if that is appropriate for you as well. Eventually I will need to have the surgery.

LayMiz · 05-19-2008, 09:24 AM

I have neck pain too. I haven't tried this trigger point therapy but it looks interesting. My neck pain gets better when I am on plan with my lc eating. I think wheat and sugar are causing inflammation in me.

Self-Treatment for Neck Pain, Neck Stiffness, Stiff Neck, Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Pcola Girl · 05-19-2008, 12:07 PM

My pain is there constant. Turning my neck to the side kills me. I did have a MRI on it and thats when they found the pinched nerves.
There is nothing I can do for it except have surgery and I may have to sometimes in the future.
Pain pills will not even relieve the pain when its bad.

JONAH'S GRANNY · 05-21-2008, 08:05 AM

I'm sorry about your neck pain. I have nerve pain in my back (they call it Neuropathic nerve damage) and I know how bad nerve pain can hurt. It has bothered me for a couple of years now and I have tried everything to try and make it better. It took a lot of expense and tests to even determine what the problem was as it did not show up on tests. I have had two bouts with Shingles which has caused my pain. I've tried every kind of doctor and they have sent me away without much hope including physical therapy. I see a pain specialist now. He has given me several shots over the course of the last year and they don't seem to do much good. About all I can do is take pain medication and stay active. I am finding it may be something I will always have to live with.

I hope things do get better for you. I feel your pain.

Ann

05-02-2008, 02:31 PM	#1
Pcola Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,737 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	Pinched Nerves In My Neck I just found out from my doctor that I have two pinched nerves in my neck area. The MRI I had on it showed it. It causes my neck and my left arm to hurt really bad. I have to wear my neck brace now when I am here at my computer because it will start hurting me bad. He said that if it keep hurting this bad that I will need surgery on it. Have any of you ever had this problem with pinched nerves in the neck? I put ice on it at night so I can rest, It hurts to even put my head on a pillow anymore, I have to lay my head flat now or my neck will hurt. __________________ Mary

05-11-2008, 05:56 AM	#10
Stackeyha Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TEXAS Posts: 588 Gallery: Stackeyha WOE: Low Carb/Whole Foods Only	I understand how you feel about that chiro with regards to your experience. All that I can say is that I'm really sorry that happened. I've had a lot of success with all manner of pain with 3 different chiropractors...but I could tell your same story with regard to OBs...see the thing is...it's not CHIROPRACTIC that is the problem...it's people. I've had horrible luck with obs too, one that spent 3 months threatening me with dire consequences...then when I considered leaving, KICKED me out 2 days before my due date and STILL ended up delivering me because she was on call the night I went to the ER...I had one that during a routine pelvic exam made me bleed so badly I had to check into the hospital to get it stopped...but then again...it's not obstetrics that is exactly the problem, it's the doctors in the field. I've had one really REALLY great one and that helped me realize that they are not all out to get me. For us we use both chiropractic (on a bi-weekly basis for my dd) and orthopedics. My dd has a hip condition (Legg Perthes) that the orthopedics say basically as it grows back she MAY need a hip replacement but for now here are some exercises (which we use) and they X-Ray us every 6-9 months to see where in the process that she is...and the chiro keeps her back straight, because with a bum hip after a week or so all the joints collapse like a house of cards and she can barely walk...not because the hip hurts but because every thing else does...so we go back to the chiro and he straightens it out again and she can be a comfortable kid again. I would suggest interviewing chiros...and actually because of your particular injury I would actually LOOK for one that wants you in there 3 times a week for a couple of months, simply because they make VERY gentle adjustments over time...you aren't going to feel better right away...but with little adjustments it'll get into place over time. I personally prefer the kind of chiro that sets it all straight in one visit (or one every once in a while)...but I have no particular injury...in your case...slower might be easier. But if you really won't, I do understand that too...just thought I give you some other thoughts on it. Personnally I WAY prefer midwives to OBs now. __________________ Stack Wife to Dave, Momma to Bean, Bear, and Monkey Face, Homemaker and Homeschooler

05-18-2008, 08:22 AM	#13
auntiem59 Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Where everything is big...including my butt! Posts: 9,225 Gallery: auntiem59 WOE: Let me count the ways.. Start Date: Every day at 8:00 a.m. sharp!	I have the very same thing in my neck except that my pain shows up as intense pain in the elbow and the right hand, sometimes the left hand as well. I do not want the surgery for right now so my doctor prescribed lunesta and loracet. I take them both at the same time at night and it is the only way I can sleep. Usually within 3 days my pain is gone. I ocassionally use the loracet in the day time to relieve pain as well. That is when it is really bad. Maybe you could ask your doc if that is appropriate for you as well. Eventually I will need to have the surgery. __________________ "We can't go around measuring our goodness by what we don't do- by what we deny ourselves, what we resist, and who we exclude. I think we've got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include." - Chocolat

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05-07-2008, 07:14 AM	#2
Leo41 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 227 Gallery: Leo41	I have had 3 episodes of pinched nerve in my neck, and I can sympathize with your pain. No medication did anything but take the edge off. However, all three times, the pain was resolved within a week (I know it seemed like a month!). My doctor prescribed the collar for daytime at work, but I didn't get any relief. I found that I needed to take time off from work and lay flat (head not on a pillow) with a heating pad. The pain resolved very, very slowly, and immobility (relaxing as much as possible with no strain on the neck) and heat was essential. I also took hot showers and let the water beat on my neck--the wet heat is good. I haven't had an episode in at least 18 months. Stress and tension seem to bring it on, so I'm careful to rest and relax at the first sign of tension in my shoulder/neck area. I hope you can resolve this.

05-08-2008, 11:36 AM	#3
Pcola Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,737 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	My pain in my neck is there all the time. Some days it is worse than others. I have had the pain so severe that I had to go to the ER w ith it, thats when they did the MRI on it to find the pich nerves. MY doctor said if it keeps on like this I may need surgery on it. Not looking forward to that at all. That neck collor does nothing for my pain, nor ice or heat. Sometimes even pain pills will not stop the pain. It rediates all the way down my arm into my hand. Its awful.

05-08-2008, 04:30 PM	#4
Leo41 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 227 Gallery: Leo41	I understand and am sorry that I have no solution for you. My first episode sent me to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack--pain radiating down my left arm, etc. I know of no immediate relief (collar doesn't help; pills are not much help) because NERVE pain is a class by itself. All I can offer is the fact that my pain resolved within a week (each episode) by relaxing as much as possible, lying down, and using heat and wet heat often. The problem is that the pain makes you tense, and that's the worst possible reaction, as it stokes the situation. I had to consciously work against my tendency to tense up with the pain--and it's not easy. That said, there are all kinds of pinched nerves, and your situation may require surgery (as your doctor mentioned). I don't know of anyone who has had surgery for the problem. You might ask your doctor about physical therapy because a great deal of the pain is from muscle spasm, and PT may be able to alleviate that.

05-09-2008, 03:41 PM	#5
Pcola Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,737 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	I met a lady one day in the doctors medical clinic once and she had surgery on the same two pinched nerves as I have and she said it was wonderful not to have all that pain anymore. She said they just removed some of the bone from the spine that was pinching it. I never knew they did surgery on it either until my doctor mentioned it to me. It hurts me all the time, I keep a painful burning at the pinch nerve area constantly. I know I will eventually have to have something done to it because its not even trying to feel any better.

05-09-2008, 04:26 PM	#6
Cats for Texas Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 83 Gallery: Cats for Texas Stats: 208/180/175/164; Goal 150 WOE: LC Start Date: First start 9/2002 at 250; second 10/2007	A few things to try; they helped me to varying degrees: Chiropracter: just find a good one who doesn't try to sell you all kinds of things. Get recommendations. Massage: a good masseuse can do wonders to loosen up tight muscles caused by the pinched nerves Shots: check with your doc. Something to try before surgery. good luck.

05-09-2008, 05:20 PM	#7
Doug K Junior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 32 Blog Entries: 39 Gallery: Doug K Stats: 210/199/135(5'4") WOE: still figuring that out Start Date: March 2007	I have some of these symptoms. I went to a physical therapist last year. She diagnosed it as thoracic outlet syndrome. I haven't been for a while, and I haven't done the exercises in a while, and it has come back somewhat. But it has helped, especially the ultrasound heating on my shoulder and neck.

05-09-2008, 05:41 PM	#8
Adream Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South (Jersey) Beach Posts: 54 Gallery: Adream Stats: 158/150/135 WOE: South Beach Start Date: April 10, 2008	I've had neck problems for years due to an injury 20 years ago. I've been going to chiropractors for all this time. When you find a good one, they can help immensely! When you check out a chiropractor, always make sure that they were Palmer College of Chiropractic graduates. That schools turns out physicians who really know their stuff! Palmer College of Chiropractic, Home Page Good luck, it's no fun to go through this. I hope you find relief soon.

05-10-2008, 03:32 PM	#9
Pcola Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,737 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	I will never go to a Chiropractor. I went to one once with my back and he hurt me so bad that I had to leave his office and get my husband to take me to the emergency room. The Chiropractor acted like he did nothing wrong but the pain he inflicted on my back and neck at that time was so painful that I could barely walk out his office. The emergency room called in a orthepedic doctor and when They sent for my records at the Chiropractor they unfortunately could not be found and were lost. They were covering themselves . To this day I feel they destroyed my records. I was told to never go to another chiropractor again. By the way I ended up having surgery on my back for two herniated disc.

05-12-2008, 11:57 AM	#12
Pcola Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,737 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	I know it was just the doctor and not all Chiropractors. but now my discs are are so bad that if I cannot let a Chiroprictor touch them anymore. I have spinal arthritis now and it has weaken all my disc so I have to be careful with them.

05-19-2008, 09:24 AM	#14
LayMiz MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,922 Gallery: LayMiz WOE: Atkins Start Date: Feb. 23, 2004	I have neck pain too. I haven't tried this trigger point therapy but it looks interesting. My neck pain gets better when I am on plan with my lc eating. I think wheat and sugar are causing inflammation in me. Self-Treatment for Neck Pain, Neck Stiffness, Stiff Neck, Pinched Nerve in the Neck

05-19-2008, 12:07 PM	#15
Pcola Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 2,737 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	My pain is there constant. Turning my neck to the side kills me. I did have a MRI on it and thats when they found the pinched nerves. There is nothing I can do for it except have surgery and I may have to sometimes in the future. Pain pills will not even relieve the pain when its bad.

05-21-2008, 08:05 AM	#16
JONAH'S GRANNY Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 7,582 Gallery: JONAH'S GRANNY Stats: Not telling WOE: EFGT with higher Protein Start Date: 01/03/2008/Originally 2003	I'm sorry about your neck pain. I have nerve pain in my back (they call it Neuropathic nerve damage) and I know how bad nerve pain can hurt. It has bothered me for a couple of years now and I have tried everything to try and make it better. It took a lot of expense and tests to even determine what the problem was as it did not show up on tests. I have had two bouts with Shingles which has caused my pain. I've tried every kind of doctor and they have sent me away without much hope including physical therapy. I see a pain specialist now. He has given me several shots over the course of the last year and they don't seem to do much good. About all I can do is take pain medication and stay active. I am finding it may be something I will always have to live with. I hope things do get better for you. I feel your pain. Ann