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Inflamed nerves
Last Post 05/10/2018 02:41 PM by Frederick Jones. 6 Replies.
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thinline

Posts:323

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05/08/2018 01:04 PM
I have been experiencing shoulder issues this late winter and spring and recently had x-rays done.  I apparently have a "narrowing" between my c-5 and c-6 vertebrae (for those of you that remember my car accident in September of 2010, yup, could be from that).  Somehow, the nerves got inflamed and they are now apparently in contact with the vertebrae and it's uncomfortable to say the least.

I have been to my doc, a PT, and a chiropractor.  My doc put me on prednizone (sp?) and it has helped, but not fully resolved things.  The PT practically had me heading to the ER several hours later for pain relief.  If I wasn't on a muscle relaxant I would have driven myself.  The chiro seems to be helping a touch.

I go back to my doc Friday and she may send me to a spine specialist.  Symptoms were nasty rhomboid knots, which are about 80% resolved, and shooting nerve pain down into the shoulder, tricip and outside forearm, and some tingling and numbness in the fingers, all left side.

Anyone else experience this?  What was your magic bullet?
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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05/08/2018 03:30 PM
Been there, ultimately had surgery. Not saying you need surgery. Seeing a surgeon is reasonable, but since what they do is operate, most are biased towards that therapy. Highly likely the surgeon will want an MRI.
General rule, with exceptions: back surgery: often not effective, often regretted as some symptoms get worse.
C spine surgery: usually relieves the pain, usually without complications.
smokey52

Posts:492

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05/08/2018 08:49 PM
As I was recovering from Lyme a few years ago, I took Lyrica to calm nerve-induced muscle pains. Gabapentin may be another possible chemical therapy. Another approach could be acupuncture. It has helped my wife with her MS pains.
Prednisone should only be taken short-term. It's a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation around nerves and other tissues, but causes muscle damage in the long run.
X-rays are good for bone analysis, but MRI is better for soft tissue. I would ask for MRI before agreeing to surgery.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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05/09/2018 05:46 AM
The doc would insist on getting an mri.
smokey52

Posts:492

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05/09/2018 06:32 AM
LSD- Yes, and if the doc does not insist on MRI, find a different doctor.
thinline

Posts:323

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05/10/2018 02:26 PM
Forgot to mention, I did try acupuncture but it was thought at the time it was just a strained and badly spasming rhomboid muscle so I may go back.

Chiro tomorrow then regular doc. The earliest I can get into a spine specialist is July 16! I will have to have a chat with my doc about that. I was wondering about a shot of cortisone right into the inflamed area. Not sure I have another 8 weeks of this in me! I have started pedaling again but iot does inflame things a bit. Baby steps forward with the chiro. Prednisone scrip runs out Saturday and I don;t think I want to renew it given what I have read about side effects!

Thanks gang.

Ride on.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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05/10/2018 02:41 PM
Mri strongly recommended before any injection. For several reasons.
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