Pinched Nerve

[SheFly]

So, in November of last year, I woke up on Thursday morning out of the blue, and couldn't turn my head. I figured that the night prior, our first really cold CX training ride, had made things stiffen up. So, I made my first ever appointment with a chiropractor for Friday. Our big CX Regional Championship races were Sat and Sun, so I walked into the chiro and told her she needed to work magic, because I needed to race my bike on the weekend . Yes, I am stubborn.

To keep this story a bit on the shorter side - I raced both days without being able to turn my head (and consequently won the Women's 45-49 and Women's Singlespeed championship). I continued with the chiro for about a month, and things were MUCH better.

We went through the holidays and sometime in January (I can't pinpoint exactly when), I started to get some pretty significant pain in my shoulder. I have an old injury there (laberal SLAP tear), and figured that I had re-torn something, so tried doing my PT shoulder exercises, some push ups, and self-medicated with Ibuprofen. The exercises made the pain worse, and soon, it was radiating down my arm, and I was getting numbness and tingling in my hands. Since we were spending a lot of time at our second home over the winter, I didn't make an appt with the doctor - I continued to ride, ski and do all of my usual activities, despite the pain and numbness, but did continue with the Ibuprofen.

Then, two weeks ago, everything got worse after a fall on some icy roads while riding the fat bike. The pain became much worse, with sharp pains, and more numbness. What little sleep I had been getting, was now non-existent. Icing made it hurt worse. The continued regimen of Ibuprofen didn't seem to be helping.

Today was my annual physical with my primary care. Turns out that I have a pinched nerve in my neck, and am on my way for some PT. She also prescribed a muscle relaxant to help me get some sleep.

Lessons?

• Waiting three months and continuing to ride through the pain is probably NOT the best option.
• I have a VERY high tolerance for pain.
• Self-diagnosis is a BAD thing.
• Sometimes a pain in the neck is something that really needs looking at!

SheFly

[Crankin]

Ugh. Rest and do what you are prescribed. I know...
Where are you going for PT?

[SheFly]

Crankin'- haven't decided yet. Would like somewhere close, and am just starting to look now. I have some good friends who are PT's, but they aren't in this area, sadly. And I am REALLY BAD at rest...

SheFly

[OakLeaf]

Ugh. Hope you find a good practitioner and get yourself fixed up soon!

[Veronica]

REST!

Is that clear?

I need to live vicariously through your adventures, so heal up!

Veronica

[Catrin]

Today was my annual physical with my primary care. Turns out that I have a pinched nerve in my neck, and am on my way for some PT. She also prescribed a muscle relaxant to help me get some sleep.

Lessons?

• Waiting three months and continuing to ride through the pain is probably NOT the best option.
• I have a VERY high tolerance for pain.
• Self-diagnosis is a BAD thing.
• Sometimes a pain in the neck is something that really needs looking at!

SheFly

I could have written this. In fact, I think I DID write a similar version to this in 2011 when I waited a full month to get my neck looked at after my mountain-bike crash neck injury. REST, REST, and MORE REST! I am the only one allowed to be this stubborn Like Veronica, how can I live through your adventures otherwise?

Hang in there and let us know how things go!

[SheFly]

Catrin and Veronica - what is this REST thing you keep talking about? I know, I know. Don't worry though - the adventures will continue! I will take care, but I will also keep riding.

SheFly

[OakLeaf]

Listen to your practitioner ... but I'm with you, inactivity only EVER makes misalignments worse.

[Catrin]

Catrin and Veronica - what is this REST thing you keep talking about? I know, I know. Don't worry though - the adventures will continue! I will take care, but I will also keep riding.

SheFly

Thankfully yours isn't the same kind of injury mine was - a pinched nerve isn't permanent - do what you need to do and we look forward to reading more about your adventures!

[Crankin]

I have a great practitioner, but he's in Maynard. I *had* a good one in Concord, who was a former racer, but she left the practice and I couldn't find where she went. The other local places seem to cater to old people, sick people, etc. Had not such a good experience at the group by the Acton Post Office.

[Wahine]

As you're looking for a PT, the following credentials are good ones to look for as stand alones or in combination: OCS, COMT, IFOMPT, FCAMT. These are PTs with certification and testing in spinal biomechanics and treatment.

Also, consider trying to sleep in a recliner with a towel rolled up under your neck to support a natural curve. Arms on pillows to hold elbows out from sides a little and slightly in front of the line of your body. This can allow for better relaxation through the neck and shoulder blade areas.

I'm going to see if I can find some other links to help.

[azfiddle]

She Fly- best of luck in getting this sorted out right away.

Wahine, what a helpful piece of advice you've shared- something a lay person would never know!

[SheFly]

Wahine - this is TERRIFIC advice! Thanks so much. The sleeping is the hardest part - seems to hurt so much worse at night. I started on a muscle relaxant before bedtime last night, but ti didn't seem to help much. I might try the recliner if I still can't get any sleep. And now I know what to look for as I search for a PT.

I appreciate all of the kind words as well! Who knew a pain in the neck could be such a pain in the neck?

SheFly

[Catrin]

..Who knew a pain in the neck could be such a pain in the neck?

SheFly

Amen! Hang in there and I hope things improve quickly!