Comments on: Healing My Chronic Shoulder and Neck Pain Through Diet and Exercise http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/ Trying My Best To Eat Right And Stay Fit At Diet Blue Book Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:40:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: donna http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-2567 donna Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:12:29 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-2567 hi-since my last post in nov '08, I went to a pain specialist and had an mri done. I have 4 degenerating discs in my neck, which he says is traveling down my neck-shoulder area. and I have bursitus in my shouder too.. it's not the RA which I thought. I avoid doing much with my arms, and take a 5mg prednisone pill when I know that I will be doing anything that may trigger a flare up. hi-since my last post in nov ‘08, I went to a pain specialist and had an mri done. I have 4 degenerating discs in my neck, which he says is traveling down my neck-shoulder area. and I have bursitus in my shouder too.. it’s not the RA which I thought. I avoid doing much with my arms, and take a 5mg prednisone pill when I know that I will be doing anything that may trigger a flare up.

]]> By: G http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-2527 G Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:07:22 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-2527 Similar issue. Stretches help though it may take time to figure out which specific ones. Similar issue. Stretches help though it may take time to figure out which specific ones.

]]> By: Chloe http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-2075 Chloe Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:30:53 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-2075 I agree with the idea of consulting a doctor when the symptoms above mentioned are experienced. Everything should not be taken for granted. However, why wait for those symptoms to happen when at first, you can already feel something?s wrong with one of the joints in your body? If you feel like there is something uncomfortable happening to your body system, try to google about it and perform first aid, that is to consider natural remedies in easing out the kind of pain you are experiencing. I agree with the idea of consulting a doctor when the symptoms above mentioned are experienced. Everything should not be taken for granted. However, why wait for those symptoms to happen when at first, you can already feel something?s wrong with one of the joints in your body? If you feel like there is something uncomfortable happening to your body system, try to google about it and perform first aid, that is to consider natural remedies in easing out the kind of pain you are experiencing.

]]> By: Sallie http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-1339 Sallie Sat, 23 May 2009 03:00:39 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-1339 I found a WONDERFUL chiropractor that has made my pain TOTALLY GO AWAY!! I went to physical therapy for several weeks also, but now I swear by Dr. Schlammp. His practice is called Advanced Integrative Medicine. I was leary at first, but he also has a medical doctor in his practice that consults with him. He is in Alpharetta GA and I highly recommend him!!! I still go once a week and look fwd to my visits! I have been pain free for many months now. I found a WONDERFUL chiropractor that has made my pain TOTALLY GO AWAY!! I went to physical therapy for several weeks also, but now I swear by Dr. Schlammp. His practice is called Advanced Integrative Medicine. I was leary at first, but he also has a medical doctor in his practice that consults with him. He is in Alpharetta GA and I highly recommend him!!! I still go once a week and look fwd to my visits! I have been pain free for many months now.

]]> By: ken http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-1176 ken Mon, 11 May 2009 11:28:11 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-1176 Check out Mind over back pain a book by Sarno i think his name is i think it might be the answer some of you are looking for Check out Mind over back pain a book by Sarno i think his name is i think it might be the answer some of you are looking for

]]> By: Jana http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-642 Jana Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:01:49 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-642 Donna - I feel your pain. I am 41 with a 8 and 5 year old and having been dealing with similar pain for 4 years. When you feel up to another round of poking and prodding by the medical world, try, try again to find a solution. I refuse to give up. A personal trainer from my physical therapy office helped me improve, and finding a low impact chiropractor (no more crunching and confusing my whole nervous system!) I can trust also helps. Also, I have learned to take my pain medication before it goes on too long as to maintain my emotional health. I used to wait until I just couldn't take it any longer. Bad idea. My Dr. has me on Ultram which I take with ibuprofen for the best relief. I too am still looking for an answer. Hang in there mom. Donna – I feel your pain. I am 41 with a 8 and 5 year old and having been dealing with similar pain for 4 years. When you feel up to another round of poking and prodding by the medical world, try, try again to find a solution. I refuse to give up.

A personal trainer from my physical therapy office helped me improve, and finding a low impact chiropractor (no more crunching and confusing my whole nervous system!) I can trust also helps. Also, I have learned to take my pain medication before it goes on too long as to maintain my emotional health. I used to wait until I just couldn’t take it any longer. Bad idea. My Dr. has me on Ultram which I take with ibuprofen for the best relief.

I too am still looking for an answer. Hang in there mom.

]]> By: fellow pain pal http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-521 fellow pain pal Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:46:32 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-521 I had the same pain and symptoms as Dai. An MRI found a "tiny" tear in the Labrum which I had repaired. 1 year later I had a second surgery to clean the scar tissue. I still have episodes and i have found that ice along with sleeping semi-reclined in the lazy boy for a couple of nights have helped. It keeps your arms from going over your head (i wake up like that alot with both arms numb) and takes any stress in the shoulder from the side from lying on your side. Not a cure but short term help I had the same pain and symptoms as Dai. An MRI found a “tiny” tear in the Labrum which I had repaired. 1 year later I had a second surgery to clean the scar tissue. I still have episodes and i have found that ice along with sleeping semi-reclined in the lazy boy for a couple of nights have helped. It keeps your arms from going over your head (i wake up like that alot with both arms numb) and takes any stress in the shoulder from the side from lying on your side. Not a cure but short term help

]]> By: Dai Williams http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-403 Dai Williams Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:12:00 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-403 Hello again everyone, the pain in the neck is still with me too but it is now very, very minor. I agree that stress is a factor as with any normal individual stress culminates in a stiff neck anyway which is why a massage in the neck area feels so good after a long hard day. But in our cases it tends to aggravate an underlying injury which causes the muscles in the neck to press on the injured area which in turn worsens the symptoms to the point where the nerves become trapped and you get the tingling sensation and inability to grip in the affected side which could be either left or right. I too am still using the TENS/ EMS machine but less frequently and the time between flare ups is becoming longer and longer. I think that you will get the best results by seeing the doctors regarding spinal injuries rather than thinking it's cardiac related. I must admit though when it first happened to me I did panic a bit and thought the same. Keep up the treatment and exercises as they all help. I'm just glad that my neck has improved a hell of a lot the past three months or so. In fact the pain in my left shouder blade is now worse than in the neck area but then they are related to the same problem. I am amazed that one person had a rib removed, I think that is a bit extreme and now their symptoms have returned anyway. I've read somewhere else on the internet of this procedure not being very successful, and no I've never had a nerve test before and don't know what it entails, but I will say, good luck and keep your spirits up there is an end to the misery just keep on going and you will beat this, I nearly have and I feel in time I will. Unfortunately my knee op was not as successful but thats another story. Dai. Hello again everyone,
the pain in the neck is still with me too but it is now very, very minor. I agree that stress is a factor as with any normal individual stress culminates in a stiff neck anyway which is why a massage in the neck area feels so good after a long hard day. But in our cases it tends to aggravate an underlying injury which causes the muscles in the neck to press on the injured area which in turn worsens the symptoms to the point where the nerves become trapped and you get the tingling sensation and inability to grip in the affected side which could be either left or right.
I too am still using the TENS/ EMS machine but less frequently and the time between flare ups is becoming longer and longer. I think that you will get the best results by seeing the doctors regarding spinal injuries rather than thinking it’s cardiac related. I must admit though when it first happened to me I did panic a bit and thought the same. Keep up the treatment and exercises as they all help. I’m just glad that my neck has improved a hell of a lot the past three months or so. In fact the pain in my left shouder blade is now worse than in the neck area but then they are related to the same problem.
I am amazed that one person had a rib removed, I think that is a bit extreme and now their symptoms have returned anyway. I’ve read somewhere else on the internet of this procedure not being very successful, and no I’ve never had a nerve test before and don’t know what it entails, but I will say, good luck and keep your spirits up there is an end to the misery just keep on going and you will beat this, I nearly have and I feel in time I will.
Unfortunately my knee op was not as successful but thats another story.
Dai.

]]> By: New to Neck/Shoulder Pain http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-402 New to Neck/Shoulder Pain Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:03:10 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-402 Well.......sorry I haven't responded, but I lost the link to this site. Odd that I get a notice of new posts some times, but not others. I have been going to the chiropractor and physical therapists 4 times a week for a month now. I think it's getting a little better or else I'm just getting more accustomed to the pain. They still think that my nerve is being compressed by either a disc or muscles or both. I've noticed that sometimes I wake up in the night and both of my arms are above my head. I never slept like that before. No idea where that is coming from. Not to mention they say that is really bad for this. I use the tenz (sp?) unit every night before I go to bed. I like it, but it's not as good as the one at the chiropractor. My muscles start twitching like crazy and it's a good pain.......hurts good, you know what I mean? Advil doesn't seem to do anything for me. Best thing for me is to lie down with my head propped up a bit and then it goes away in about 10 mins or so. When I wake up, my left arm usually ACHES and then slowly I get the tingling in my left 2 fingers. I also get an ache in my left chest/breast area. They keep reasuring me it isn't heart related. BUT. left arm back/chest pain........a tad scarey. When I got my hair done the other day, my whole left arm kept tingling like it was going to sleep when I had my head leaning back to be washed. That was totally uncomfortable. Then, my pain increased for a few days. They said I irritated the nerve and it became inflamed. We are going to continue on the path I'm on right now, but the next step is possibly a nerve test to see where it is getting compressed. Then they will know where to target the MRI. Has anyone had a nerve test for this?? Well…….sorry I haven’t responded, but I lost the link to this site. Odd that I get a notice of new posts some times, but not others. I have been going to the chiropractor and physical therapists 4 times a week for a month now. I think it’s getting a little better or else I’m just getting more accustomed to the pain. They still think that my nerve is being compressed by either a disc or muscles or both. I’ve noticed that sometimes I wake up in the night and both of my arms are above my head. I never slept like that before. No idea where that is coming from. Not to mention they say that is really bad for this. I use the tenz (sp?) unit every night before I go to bed. I like it, but it’s not as good as the one at the chiropractor. My muscles start twitching like crazy and it’s a good pain…….hurts good, you know what I mean? Advil doesn’t seem to do anything for me. Best thing for me is to lie down with my head propped up a bit and then it goes away in about 10 mins or so. When I wake up, my left arm usually ACHES and then slowly I get the tingling in my left 2 fingers. I also get an ache in my left chest/breast area. They keep reasuring me it isn’t heart related. BUT. left arm back/chest pain……..a tad scarey.

When I got my hair done the other day, my whole left arm kept tingling like it was going to sleep when I had my head leaning back to be washed. That was totally uncomfortable. Then, my pain increased for a few days. They said I irritated the nerve and it became inflamed. We are going to continue on the path I’m on right now, but the next step is possibly a nerve test to see where it is getting compressed. Then they will know where to target the MRI. Has anyone had a nerve test for this??

]]> By: jaxp http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-395 jaxp Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:51:08 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-395 Guys, The symptoms we all seem to have fits whats called "Cervical Radiculopathy". Do check out if the symptoms matches what you have been experiencing. Thanks! Guys,

The symptoms we all seem to have fits whats called “Cervical Radiculopathy”.
Do check out if the symptoms matches what you have been experiencing.

Thanks!

]]> By: donna http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-377 donna Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:00:38 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-377 I have this pain too, and I was diagnosed earlier this year with rhumatoid arthritis. The pain is at the top of my spine, over to the right side, to the shoulder, around to the front and oddly enough up to the side of my throat. I tried acupuncture, chrio, and I take 1500mg of ralafen daily (motrin-like meds). I just started a hydroxychloroquine pill that I also take 2x a day, but I was told that it will take 6 months to see improvement. I figured with all of the anti-inflam pills I should be pain free, but I am worse now and the pain up the throat is something new.. I'm 40, have 2 kids, 3 & 6, and can't even hold the hairdryer to dry their hair anymore. It's effecting my every day life, and I'm not sure what type of doctor to see next, maybe an orthopedic????? Thanks... I have this pain too, and I was diagnosed earlier this year with rhumatoid arthritis. The pain is at the top of my spine, over to the right side, to the shoulder, around to the front and oddly enough up to the side of my throat. I tried acupuncture, chrio, and I take 1500mg of ralafen daily (motrin-like meds). I just started a hydroxychloroquine pill that I also take 2x a day, but I was told that it will take 6 months to see improvement. I figured with all of the anti-inflam pills I should be pain free, but I am worse now and the pain up the throat is something new.. I’m 40, have 2 kids, 3 & 6, and can’t even hold the hairdryer to dry their hair anymore. It’s effecting my every day life, and I’m not sure what type of doctor to see next, maybe an orthopedic????? Thanks…

]]> By: Neil http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-195 Neil Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:32:01 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-195 Many of these stories match mine. I am 31 and seem to have been fighting this thing for 7 years. 2 years ago I had shoulder surgery (left shoulder) to repair a torn labrum. As time went on all of the symptoms returned. Neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness in last two fingers, sore bicep. Some days the rhomboid would throb, other days the pain would be focused in the chest area. The worst is when the trapezoid and shoulder is set off, which causes a numbing sorness in the whole left side of the head/neck area. As this continues to radiate, tremendous headaches result. My answer was temporary relief from excercise, advil, heat, the steam room and massage. I recently went through another round of doctors, another round of physical therapy and was diagnosed with THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME. A vascular surgeon removed my first rib 2 months ago to free up the thoraic area. It appeared that the rib was cluttering the space that the nerves and blood vessels needed. At first, I felt that I was completely cured. However, as time goes on everything is coming back again. I have now tried accupuncture, but no permanent relief. I agree that excercise does help, stress makes the whole issue much worse. Many of these stories match mine. I am 31 and seem to have been fighting this thing for 7 years. 2 years ago I had shoulder surgery (left shoulder) to repair a torn labrum. As time went on all of the symptoms returned. Neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness in last two fingers, sore bicep. Some days the rhomboid would throb, other days the pain would be focused in the chest area. The worst is when the trapezoid and shoulder is set off, which causes a numbing sorness in the whole left side of the head/neck area. As this continues to radiate, tremendous headaches result. My answer was temporary relief from excercise, advil, heat, the steam room and massage.

I recently went through another round of doctors, another round of physical therapy and was diagnosed with THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME. A vascular surgeon removed my first rib 2 months ago to free up the thoraic area. It appeared that the rib was cluttering the space that the nerves and blood vessels needed. At first, I felt that I was completely cured. However, as time goes on everything is coming back again. I have now tried accupuncture, but no permanent relief.

I agree that excercise does help, stress makes the whole issue much worse.

]]> By: katie http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-181 katie Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:24:02 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-181 I forgot to mention that when I was pregnant with my second son who is three now (my first son is 13...a couple of years after he was born was when my pain started), I had absolutely no pain what so ever. It was completely gone. I also have mild psoriasis on my shins and the back of my arms and scalp. When I was pregnant, I had absolutely zero issues of psoraisis the entire time of my pregnancy. My skin was absolutely clear and beautiful with zero signs of psoriasis. And zero pain on the left side of my body. I wish I knew what that's all about and I honestly don't know what kind of doctor I should go to at this point...so okay I'm going walking now. I forgot to mention that when I was pregnant with my second son who is three now (my first son is 13…a couple of years after he was born was when my pain started), I had absolutely no pain what so ever. It was completely gone. I also have mild psoriasis on my shins and the back of my arms and scalp. When I was pregnant, I had absolutely zero issues of psoraisis the entire time of my pregnancy. My skin was absolutely clear and beautiful with zero signs of psoriasis. And zero pain on the left side of my body. I wish I knew what that’s all about and I honestly don’t know what kind of doctor I should go to at this point…so okay I’m going walking now.

]]> By: katie http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-180 katie Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:12:19 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-180 I have absolutely the EXACT pain that you have, except I have an additional area of pain as well in my jaw ear area that leads me to believe that it might be TMJ in addition to the other pain. I'm telling you...you describe my pain to the T. It hurts so bad sometimes that it causes anxiety, heart palipitations and irritablility. I am 33 years old and have been having this pain since I was about 21. I've been to the doctor, chiropractor, massage, and accupuncture (which helps quite a bit). I haven't exercised in several months but I always notice exactly what you notice that it's still there but seems to help a little if I go walking. It is all on my left side. I also have a sinus infection on my left side at the moment (of course-all my pain is always on the left side...I don't understand it). Anyway, I have been hurting so bad that I just cried and cried in the shower today out of frustration and why me. Well I'm going to get off the computer now and go for a walk. I hope we can figure out what this is. I have absolutely the EXACT pain that you have, except I have an additional area of pain as well in my jaw ear area that leads me to believe that it might be TMJ in addition to the other pain. I’m telling you…you describe my pain to the T. It hurts so bad sometimes that it causes anxiety, heart palipitations and irritablility. I am 33 years old and have been having this pain since I was about 21. I’ve been to the doctor, chiropractor, massage, and accupuncture (which helps quite a bit). I haven’t exercised in several months but I always notice exactly what you notice that it’s still there but seems to help a little if I go walking. It is all on my left side. I also have a sinus infection on my left side at the moment (of course-all my pain is always on the left side…I don’t understand it). Anyway, I have been hurting so bad that I just cried and cried in the shower today out of frustration and why me. Well I’m going to get off the computer now and go for a walk. I hope we can figure out what this is.

]]> By: jaxp http://www.dietbluebook.com/healing-my-chronic-shoulder-and-neck-pain-through-diet-and-exercise/comment-page-1/#comment-166 jaxp Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:58:32 +0000 http://www.dietbluebook.com/?p=41#comment-166 Hi Guys, I have the same symptoms (Same age too) and my doctor said that it is a case of the nerve getting pinched and radiates the pain. The pinching occurs due to the small radius of the holding region which encloses the nerve. This radius differs from person to person and results in pain being severe or manageable. In my case he suspects Cervical Fibromyalgia (soft tissue) maybe be the cause for the constant soreness. However, there is a school of thought that Fibromyalgia is a myth and that it is "in the head". I have noticed that stress is the biggest contributing factor to the pain. Proper exercise (taught by a physiotherapist) combined with some heating pads gives a lot of relief. I dont feel the pain when I am busy (8-8) it is only when I am doing nothing that he pain feels the worst so I guess it is also partly in the head. Another tip that might help is using a pillow that is not too soft. Find the right pillow and avoid changing it. It took several iterations to find the right one but once you do it really helps. Thanks......looking forward to more pointers on avoiding the pain.... Hi Guys,

I have the same symptoms (Same age too) and my doctor said that it is a case of the nerve getting pinched and radiates the pain. The pinching occurs due to the small radius of the holding region which encloses the nerve. This radius differs from person to person and results in pain being severe or manageable. In my case he suspects Cervical Fibromyalgia (soft tissue) maybe be the cause for the constant soreness. However, there is a school of thought that Fibromyalgia is a myth and that it is “in the head”. I have noticed that stress is the biggest contributing factor to the pain. Proper exercise (taught by a physiotherapist) combined with some heating pads gives a lot of relief. I dont feel the pain when I am busy (8-8) it is only when I am doing nothing that he pain feels the worst so I guess it is also partly in the head.

Another tip that might help is using a pillow that is not too soft. Find the right pillow and avoid changing it. It took several iterations to find the right one but once you do it really helps.

Thanks……looking forward to more pointers on avoiding the pain….

]]>