Trapped nerve in my shoulder - any advice please?

I had a similar problem with my ulnar nerve (a nerve inside a pocket in your elbow) it caused my arm to go numb and I felt like my arm was asleep all the time. Guess what it was from? Sitting at the computer for long periods of time with my elbow propped up! I've also had problems with nerves in my shoulders, and knew it was the computer issue again. (I spend way too much time online!) The elbow took care of itself after awhile, but the shoulder thing still happens every now and then, and I find that when I drink Gatorade it helps to loosen my muscles because of the electrolytes in it. I also make sure I get up from the computer on a regular basis and stretch. If you sit in the same position for long periods of time, your muscles can tighten around the nerves and cause great pain and discomfort. I hope this helps you!

Hello Rosie_123, First of all: Have you been in any kind of serious physical circumstance in the past 9-12 months, like an automobile accident, or lifting/moving a large object??? If so, then see a chiropractor straight away, for films of you spine. I know nothing about you or your life circumstances. So, if I offer something that is not feasible or practical, I'll apologize in advance. However, I have Scoliosis, so I'm quite familiar with acute nerve congestion/impediment. I do use chiropractic, and am a huge advocate for chiropractic in the case of vertebral subluxation. However, nerve pinches are often the result of soft tissue, accute instance. I.E. muscle, or joining tissue. Not the role of chiropractic. I would suggest an immediate visit to your local health food store for some homeopathic Arnica Montana (6c or less -- which is near impossible to find in lower dosages unless through a licensed naturaopath or homeopath), AND some Bach's Rescue Remedy. This little liquid is pure dynamite for healing. Especially if the injury is linked to any kind of emotional distress. Many folks aren't interested in natural remedies. But, if you are you may be intersted in these suggestions: So, take it, or leave it, here's what I suggest: 1.) First and foremost, stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your shoulder arm region. This is done very gently by outstretching your arms upward, and sideward -- stretching your five fingers to the utmost degree. In other words, yogic or martial arts stretches. You can easily do an online search of these type of stretches. 2. Find yourself a really good acupuncturist. Nerves relate to our body's natural energy flow lines. None is more qualified to deal with Chi or Qi blockages or trapped Chi than an acupunturist. It doesn't hurt at all. But, does relieve nerve pressure unlike anything else I've tried. 3. Breathe!!! Stand upright, with arms outstreched to your sides, and breathe deeply -- expaning your rib cage outward, not upward. 4. If you're unable to (in 24 hrs) relieve the nerve tension with stretching and breathing, and are unable to obtain a good acupuncture referral -- look for a good Iyengar Yoga instructor in you locale. 5. If neither an acupuncturist or Iyengar Yoga instructor is available locally, look in a nearby locale. If none is still available, respond here, and I'll try to walk you through some basic streches. Although on-line or DVD/Video is NO substitution for in-person instruction, it's better than nothing. Let us know how you make out, OK???

Oh Rosie, that does sound awful, you poor darling. I had a sore/painful shoulder and it was bad enough to send me to the doctor. He explained that up on the shoulder, the muscles cross over each other going from front to back and vice versa. Due to age the muscles are not as firm as they were so one of them had hooked itself on the wrong spot and the pain was coming from the nerves involved. He suggested gentle movement to try and ease it back to where it should be. Perhaps try some gentle exercise while showering with the hot water on the pain site. I'm not sure if it will help but you can stop if it's too painful. It may be better by now anyway...I sure hops so. Hugs. (Say hi to Lily for me)

You need to lay on the bed with a water bottle in a towel scrunched under your neck look at a spot on the ceiling and try to relax the heat will help to untrap the nerves. Helped me when i got trapped nerves you need to keep at it do it every day cheapest solution i know that works they do this in the phiso department took a while to get better but it really work. Hope your feeling better soon Rosie HUGS xx

A physical therapist should be able to help you at least alleviate the pain, and can help show you exersices and stretches to do at home to help. You may want to look for a second opinion as well, because most back problems can be treated in a variety of ways rather than just taking pain killers. Massage therapy may be able to help losen the muscles and joints around you shoulder. You should also consider acupuncture as some people find relief in that. Look for a doctor who is a back specialist to help you. Did you have x-rays and/or an MRI done? These should be done to make sure there is nothing skeletal involved. Whatever you do don't let anyone tell you that you need surgery - statistically most people end up eventually having the pain return and sometimes get worse, although some people have found relief. It should be the last option you ever consider! Last but not least you can visit a chiropractor which some find helps. Try everything! You will find relief through some method or a combination of the above.

I think you slept on you arms whole night. I think you should see an homeopathic doctor. I am sure he can help you. The medicine is really easy to take. It is really effective. Please go and visit one.

Maybe you can try putting some hot oil to your arms. My husband had experienced a stiff arm recently and I put hot oil to his arm. It worked and especially when the weather starts to warm a little his arm can be moved like usual. Another suggestion is trying to put this brand of massage oil (Yoko-yoko) if it is around in your market. It is very effective for your arms. I hope this helps. Thanks.

Well- my advice would be to see a chiropractor-- do you have those there??? if not try going to a massage therapist- that will definately help (make sure its one that comes well recommended- you may end up in a brothel...LOL) - also I have tried accupuncture- that may help also. I don't care for taking pain killers either- the last time I had a pinched nerve in my neck I went to physical therapy and took muscle relaxants (not pain killers) - it took a little time but it went away.

Trapped nerve? Never heard of that. Okay here are some of the things I do whenever I have anykind of severe pain...and I had that pain in my hand a few days ago, remember when I lugged up the 20-lbs of cat litter up the stairs... I'm not too fond of medications either, either the pain killers they have, have serious side effects and then you have the kind that knock you out and you feel you're in the twilight zone. So here are my methods...Those pain patch things seem to help me--you can cut them down to size and place right where it hurts--A real old time remedy my great-grandmother used was the mustard plaster...mix some powdered mustard like Coleman's mustard with flour and make a paste of it..it's one part mustard two parts flour..but I always make it stronger...more mustard...place the plaster mix where it hurts and can cover with a cloth for as long as you can tolerate it...it does get HOT... Another one of my remedies I've done...I have this salve called Miracle Ice...I place some of that where it hurts and then place a sage compress on it...yes sage...you boil water then add sage..then steep..get a colander with cheesecloth or even a paper towel and over a bowl to catch the liquid drain the sage...then place container in the fridge for awhile to chill...use that as a compress by dunking a paper towel in it then place over where you put the Miracle Ice on...or you can even use without that salve...I have used sage compresses for more uses than can be guessed for any kind of inflammation or pain

Hi there Rosie. I am sorry to hear that. But I do know what you are talking about. I get that a lot and it IS painful but not so much so as it is handicapping. I usually get it in my neck and I can't turn my head. The pain does not go away and basically I have been living with this pain for like ages now. Did your doctor tell you it might come from too much stress.

sweetie, i think ur ok. im a licensed massage therapist. it sounds like u just slept wrong. the heating pack is a good idea. u only want it on there 4 no more then 15 min. though. u want to loosen those tissues. u have blood flo going thru ur whole body. what happened is that ur tissues bunched up & trapped ur blood in that area....sounds scary but honestly, its not....what i suggest is using that heating pack (or if possible, a hot bath or hot tub)4 15 min. then where ur arm hurts, use ur other hand & start kneading (like kneading dough). u'll get better. i deal with these types of situations a lot. if u can, massage therapy would help too. FYI, if u do get a massage, DO NOT take any meds within 24hrs of session. good luck with that