Shoulder/neck pain with waves of pain into upper arm and forearm

[TODDVT]

Hello

I have been experiencing constant pain in my neck and scapula area for about 4-5 weeks now. I believe it started back in July when I was playing on a trampoline with my kids. (I am 45 years old, way too old to be doing any jumping, believe me, I learned my lesson!) The pain also comes in waves into my tricep and forearm area, although this is not constant. I have been to my chiropractor and my massage therapist. They believe it is a pinched nerve originating around the C5 or C6 region caused by inflamation. Treatment had not eased the pain, so I visited my primary physician. He also agreed with the pinched nerve diagnosis and prescribed a round of prednisone steriods for 12 days, but this did not fix the problem either.

I have an MRI scheduled for 11/21, which is 3 weeks away! The heated bean bag back wrap has given me some eleviation from the pain...

Does anyone have any advice to ease the pain while I am waiting for the MRI? Does anyone have a potential diagnosis that I may read about as well? From what I have been looking at, it may be a muscle strain or herniated disc....

thank you for any help out there...

Best,

Todd

[Heidi]

Hi
I don't think it is a muscle strain as this would usually have healed by now, especially with massage treatment.
A pinched nerve/herniated disc sounds the most likely explanation.
Have you been given stretching exercises by your chiropractor or masseuse? These will help to loosen the neck muscles.
Just out of interest, what kind of massage have you been getting? Is it deep tissue or sports massage? BEcause this would be the best type to ease muscle tightness.