It's happened again!

[icemaiden]

Woke up with trapped/ pinched nerve pain in my neck and shoulder. Pain is so bad this time that it's making me feel sick.

This happened about a month ago, lasted three weeks. Not sure whether to go to walk-in centre or as people suggested before, go and see an oestopath.

Must be a reason why it keeps doing it. Can someone please suggest what I should do? Not sure if I can drive to work.
Thankyou.

[woofgang]

just lost my post. Okay first for pain relief, have you iced it as i suggested on your other thread? Second I personally would choose a good physiotherapist over an osteopath, the cost should be about the same. Third it sounds postural in your sleep. I had neck and shoulder problems all my life till i got a tempur pillow but they don't suit everyone and are expensive. Sorry if this is a bit random but there are loads of factors to consider.

[coccinelle]

A good osteopath could sort the problem in one session but it has to be a good one. It could be down to stress... also make sure you're drinking enough water.

[icemaiden]

Thanks guys

Yes I'm currently sitting here with some frozen peas on my shoulder which is numbing it nicely. Taken some ibuprofen too. Run out of gel to massage in but will send out OH to get some.

How much do you think a physio or osteopath would be?

[icemaiden]

I'm a bit worried because I do have degenerative disc disease and have had lumber spine surgery a few years ago. I'm hoping it's not going to be as serious as that. I wonder if perhaps I need an X-ray.
I have looked at those memory foam pillows. Maybe I should invest in one. This is the second time I've woken with it.

[TopKat]

I've had the same problem, twice, and can thoroughly recommend you see a physiotherapist (once you've had some serious pain relief from the doc). Mine was fantastic. He actually managed to release the nerve by manipulating my neck and the relief was incredible! I'd been on pain relief and muscle relaxants for a week that time. The second time, I just went to him as soon as I could for the same result. He gave me exercises to do as well, to strengthen the muscles. Also, the foam pillows really help stop it happening again. Just remember, you sleep with your neck over the higher side (this helps keep it in a good position so the nerve doesn't get trapped). Hope you feel better soon!

[Kiki-frog]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that, icemaiden. Definitely recommend an osteopath or physio. I think sessions are usually about £20-£30, but they will want to do a longer initial consultation, which will cost more. It's a lot of money to fork out, but worth it. If you go NHS via your GP you'll wait for weeks and weeks. Hope you get better soon.

[icemaiden]

Thanks topcat and kikifrog.
I've booked an app with GP for pain relief if nothing else. Have rang a few osteopaths, none can fit me in until next week! I will keep trying though.

Looking at the memory foam pillows too. Lots of people do them, so many different prices. Bit of a minefield. :0(

[woofgang]

Mine is tempur, it cost 90 quid and was one of the best lumps of money I ever spent. Some of the cheap ones are less dense and supportive. I seriously would suggest a physio, not an osteopath if you have other problems, some physios are dual trained. Whoever you call should be asking why you want an appointment before they arrange one to be sure that they can potentially help you.

[jno]

are there any specialist sports osteopaths around? They sometimes have weekend slots available for footballers who injure themselves diving etc

[cathfromsaron]

i would suggest either an osteopath, a chiropractor or a physio, just so long as you stay active and seek help from someone who will feel what is happening!

the painkiller and rest brigade won't do anything!

when did you last buy a new pillow? and do you dress warmly enough for bed? (the mother in me wondering)

cath x

[icemaiden]

Hi there. Thanks for all your answers.

Cath, I'm quite a warm person anyway so in bed I do get quite warm. I bought some new pillows just before Xmas, nice and comfy.

There are some sport oestropaths nearby in the large leisure centre that we have here. I could enquire tomorrow.

In the meantime I managed to see the GP today who sent me for an X-ray due to my history. And he prescribed some stronger painkillers.

Woofgang- £90 is a lot but tempur do seem to be the better quality. Will have to wait till I get paid!

Thanks again for all your suggestions and replies. Lots if great advice. 80)

[TopKat]

Me again - just read about the pillow issue and can't agree with the suggested "tempur" one at £90. I got mine at Lidl and it only cost £8 and it's great. Argos also sell various ones from £24. My advice would be to buy a cheaper one and see how you go with it!

[icemaiden]

Thanks topcat.

If it is my pillows causing this, then anything has got to be better than what I have. No neck support at all but really comfy.