Nerve issues

[Retro Blaster]

Hey peeps its been a while since i have posted here, and since then there has been heaps happen however, i have this one queary regarding a nerve issue i am battling with.

About 4 months ago i agrivated a disk in my neck and it caused a slight nerve impingment that caused pins and needles down my left arm ending in my left index finger and thumb, all strength was down more than 50%!

I have been to doctors chiropractors and physios and to tell you the truth the did jak sh@#! I totally rested it and only now has the pins and needles gone. However there is conciderable muscle atrophy and strength loss in the left arm.

So i guess i am asking 1) has anyone dealt with this before 2) has anyone got a clue on what i can do to get back to where i was at before. (those who remember me should remember the numbers i was putting up)

Thaks all, and its good to be back

[I Declare War]

I had a similar problem when I first started lifting, one of my arms would always go numb + pins and needles at night. I took a couple of months off and when I returned I was very careful with my form on all my exercises... and I was able to work back up and way beyond where I was at by just keeping a good eye on my form and making sure everything was as textbook as possible (within reason ofcourse).

My neck is also a weak point of mine. If I'm not careful on upperbody days I can be in serious pain for a few days. Some things I've learnt to do are

- When bench pressing keep your head up off the pad

- When overhead pressing be careful also, keep your head off the pad.

- Squats, deadlifts and shrugs keep looking straight ahead.. keep your neck in line with your torso. Shrugs stare straight in the mirror at your eyes and nothing else.

That sort of thing... I've had to make a million rules to get around it but it works.

Good luck!

[rocky85]

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[Daz69]

I've had the same thing for years, generally got worse when on gear towards the end of cycle...

Had X-rays and apparently I've got degenerative change at C5 & C6 with narrowing of the disc space at this level.. (nerve compression)...

My training partner was a Physio and noted I had posture issues whilst training and at rest...

Apparently I was putting too much emphesis on my traps whilst training, also my head posture was causing my traps to be permenantly pumped, causing greater compression on my upper vertebre, thus trapping nerves...

I've got exercises to loosen up my neck, plus had a bollocking over correct posture whilst walking, sitting & sleeping...

Everything is ok as long as I stick with what I've been told...

[rocky85]

Daz69 said:

I've had the same thing for years, generally got worse when on gear towards the end of cycle...

Had X-rays and apparently I've got degenerative change at C5 & C6 with narrowing of the disc space at this level.. (nerve compression)...

My training partner was a Physio and noted I had posture issues whilst training and at rest...

Apparently I was putting too much emphesis on my traps whilst training, also my head posture was causing my traps to be permenantly pumped, causing greater compression on my upper vertebre, thus trapping nerves...

I've got exercises to loosen up my neck, plus had a bollocking over correct posture whilst walking, sitting & sleeping...

Everything is ok as long as I stick with what I've been told...

[Daz69]

What kind of exercises were you given for loosening up you neck and upper back? and same with improving posture?

My Physio used to place a book on the top of my head (whilst standing upright) and ask me to raise it slightly... Only about 5-10mm is possible but its enough to pull the spine into place (and teach me correct posture for my neck)...

That was my problem.. the possition of my neck...!!!! I always allowed my head to lean slightly forward instead of straight up... This pumped up my traps and created compression on my upper vertebre... Trapping my nerves..

He stated it was important to always support the neck when at rest IE: whilst seated I was instructed to sit upright hands on arm rests, pillow, or high chair back supporting my neck..

Same for driving a car, dont allow head to protude forward, head upright or rested on headrest...

Whilst sleeping lay on my side with pillows keeping my spine in-line not bending the head up or down... (imagine drawing a line with your head and spine dead inline)

Exercises weren't as important as posture....

But one was to stand upright, head up (as previously mentioned trying to push head upwards as though trying to raise a book slightly)...

Turn head as far as possible to the left, then to the right, then back facing ahead, then look down bending head at the neck as far as possible (without moving your shoulders)....

Repeat all 7 times... several times a day..

Another: standing upright facing forwards, push shoulders as far forwards as possible the as far as possible backwards.. Repeat 7 times... Several times a day....

[ScrotieMcBoogerBalls]

I've just gotten over this exact thing. The thing to be very careful with is lifting above your head. Things like dumbbell raises and presses. Don't over do it, have a rest day before attempting these. I went to the doc and got some strong pain killers and a slow release anti inflammatory, which is the thing which really helped in the end. Took the pressure away from the nerves by the swelling.

[Retro Blaster]

Hey guys thanks for the help. Things improving slowly little bit of an improvment in strength in pressing movements and pins and needles gone. Grip strength is still weak but improving slightly. Looking like a long recovery however. Will keep updated.