Recently I've had a tingling/buzzing in my left arm, and that shoulder is not comfortable to sleep on, a lot of the time. Slight stiffness in the neck too.
It is probably a pinched nerve in the neck, and my physiotherapist has given me an exercise* to stretch the nerve down the arm so it's pulled out of the pinched place a little, and that helps. But it comes back, and the treatments my physio has given me in the past seem to be limited.
I want to avoid the very painful condition I got into two years ago with the other arm. Does anybody have any tips for this kind of thing? I have a high quality traction device (used gently), but there may be other things.
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* The exercise is good: I stand with my left side towards a wall, at arm's length. Then stretch out my arm, put the hand flat on the wall, fingers pointing up. Then I turn my head towards the right, slowly. A strong feeling of stretching is felt on the inside of my left arm. Hold it for a few moments. I do this gently, several times a day.
12 comments:
Have you considered spending less time at the computer? More time exercising?
I've had similar issues before, (and I probably spend as much time as you at my computer). At one point, I couldn't even brush my teeth or open a door properly. Then I started doing pushups every day (though it was probably 2 weeks before I could make it through a daily set). Almost all of my symptoms went away.
I'm trying!
I "swear" by my chiropractor!! I had a similar thing happen that I, first, went to a physiotherapist for...for several sessions and only had minimal help with it. After only mediocre results, I went in to my chiropractor, who did several techniques, and the issue disappeared in 3 days!! :-)
My two bit's worth is to find a really good massage therapist - one who has studied anatomy extensively and understands how the body works, and how to fix it when it doesn't.
You may want to read this. ;-)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583539,00.html
I have a lot of inflammatory conditions, and in addition to lack of exercise, foods and allergens set you up for this kind of thing. Easiest thing is to cut down/eliminate caffeine if you're an addict. I know it sounds hard, but pain is a wonderful motivator. Saturated fats and alcohol also cause inflammation, especially red wines. You're better off with a hard liquor. Feel free to email me at Esri dot Rose at gmail dot com if you want to talk more - we can talk on Skype if you have an account. I'm a bit of a self-taught expert on this, so you're in luck - except for the part where I'll tell you stuff you don't want to hear.
Eolake,
I recognized the problems you described immediately. It happens to me all the time when I spend to much time working behind the computer.
I would recommend a good anti-RSI application. I use WorkRave (www.workrave.org).
Thanks, guys!
See my new post where I mention the Rollermouse. I just realized I changed pointing device a couple months ago!
Physiotherapist or chiropractor, your only real solution is a competent specialist of human body biomechanics. To back up what Mark said.
I once had real knee problems. The medication didn't help much (and I think these NSAIDs are what gave me a sensitive stomach for life). But what really had a "miraculous" effect, was adequate physiotherapy. A couple of very simple exercises, to do daily. Fantastically efficient.
All you need is to get prescribed the proper one(s).
Although, sometimes a pinched nerve will need some simple surgery to properly release it. Especially in the neck/shoulder area. There can be several annoying little anatomical abnormalities there, like with the Scalenic triangle.
The wrist is the second notorious area for anatomical "tunnels" problems. Carpal tunnel is so common simply because it can occur so easily!
Add to these the lumbar spine and the knees, and you have the infamous tetrad of Homo sapiens factory defects and vulnerable imperfect spots. Our four "glass jaws", so to speak.
I'm not too sure about the foods part Esri Rose mentions. I believe it depends a lot on the person. This is the main problem with self-taught people: they can lack the perspective of experience with large numbers... although they're most expert when it comes to their own problem! :-)
Self-taught experience with daily life ergonomics is definitely invaluable in your case.
(But didn't your Mom teach you it's rude to point and click? ;-)
Try this:
http://www.mattoid.com/fitness/first_week_of_ten.htm
Please don't even think of going to a chiropractor, though, they are quacks. That really is true. Look into it and there is no evidence at all that what they do works, even slightly. You will find stupid people who swear by them, but there are people who swear by psychics and other con artists too.
That said Pascal's advice about physiotherapy is right on, that actually does work because it's not based on any quack science.
That link actually has some good exercises in it, except for the old-way situps. I might have to try that. I'm not fat but being thin doesn't necessarily mean "fit." I might give it a shot, see what happens after the ten weeks.
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