Ever had a pinched nerve?

TTinCO · May 22, 2006

Nicole actually nailed mine dead on regarding the Ulnar nerve-which can be "pinched" by a variety of things.....mine happens to be due to a T1 or C8 disc issue (not 100% confirmed yet, but probably 99%).

I'm not going under the knife over this unless there is a chance of more damage if I don't. I can live with it if I have to.

TTinCO · May 23, 2006

Well, for the lack of a better term, this fucking sucks.

Technically, "Bulging of the annulua is identified at C3-4, C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7. There is no focal compression of the exiting nerve root seen."

Four bulging discs with two 2-3mm protrusions. Off to the Neurosurgeon.

:nohead:

Nicole · May 24, 2006

TTinCo,

Have you tried a chiropracter yet?

Do you drink plenty of water? The swelling of herniated/bulging disks can be caused by dehydration. Ex had problems because he didn't drink enough water, but had plenty of beer each night. lol

They may even be able to help you with cortizon shots. I would get several opinions before surgery.

Good Luck!

Nicole

TTinCO · May 24, 2006

I suspect that surgery is a loooooong ways away if it comes to that. I drink plenty of beer, but also drink TONS of water during the day (Since I'm kinda\sorta off my Mt. Dew habit).

Haven't gone the Chiroquack route....not sure if I'll go there.

Thanks for the info Nicole, you're a sweetie (and a damn well informed one, I'd say!!)

kingbill · May 24, 2006

Maybe Yoga?

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/125_1.cfm

TTinCO · May 26, 2006

It's not nearly as serious as the MRI read of mine was. Thanks for no explanation you quack ass medical clerk. Now that I'm not getting 4 discs potentially fused or cleaned up, I'm in a much better mood.

A little cervical traction (not as bad as it sounds) may do the trick. Time will tell.

The cause is apparently that my BIG (18'5) inch neck is too strong, and puts unusual amounts of pressure on the spine\neck\discs and can cause compression just due to the muscle strenght. Chronic generative disk disease may be a part of the puzzle, but that's not that uncommon---my disk issues were all minor-no one big problem disc....just "some of all of them".

Happy camper at this point. Surgery is 99% out of the picture.

RJH1914 · Jun 14, 2006

eventually went to a chiropractor who treated it with ultra sound and a few other things...i suffered for 3 months and he made it better in 1 day,

this is getting scary i have to agree with you again, a bone doc is the way to go, at least give him a chance, if no help see a nuroligist (sp)

BrockLee · Jun 14, 2006

surgery should only be a last resort, try Yoga, acupuncture and a chiropracter. You will be amazed by the changes in your body. :dancefool

SunDog · Jun 17, 2006

As an acupuncture physician- the nerve compression stated from several of you can be helped with differing methods. One may not treat all. If you are feeling a numbness in the hand area along the small finger and ring finger then the ulnar nerve is the culprit. What, however, is causing it? If the mri is not showing much - then you must look at the scaline muscles in the neck.

You first need to check your grip strength ---- grasping the three fingers of your opposing hand.

If weak (weaker than if you grasp vice versa (reverse hands) try going below the ear lobe to the large muscle in the neck- now directly behind this muscle is the 1) scalines- go to the top of it next to the base of the skull-- press- should be tender----work it by pressing at a 45 degree angle until the tenderness minimizes.

This is the first step in regaining strength in your hand. You can actually already sense a change in your hand strength. More strength less numbness.

2) Now take your right hand and place it on your left shoulder-- lower your hand to just under the ridge of the scapula and press--- see if you feel any tenderness and again press at a 45 degree angle to minimize pain.

3) Next go to the left forearm with your right hand and 1-2 inches from your elbow and lateral elbow crease - press--- find the tenderness and massage slowly and deeply until the pain ceases.

Retest hand strength- Works very effective for soft tissue nerve compressions and carpal tunnel. Good Luck.--- Sundog