pinched nerve & yoga- any thoughts?
 

The beginning of last week my left upper arm started hurting out of nowhere. I wasn't doing anything particular, it just started to hurt. It spread into my shoulder and my left hand felt funny, not numb or tingly, just a little funny, and no it wasn't a heart attack.:p. I was thinking pinched nerve and after a little digging on the internet I feel pretty sure that's what it is. Everything I read said to just rest it, so rest it I did. It hurt kind of bad for a few days and then settled to a slight discomfort in my shoulder during certain movements.

The only workout I've been doing lately is yoga and I stopped last week to let my silly arm rest. This weekend it felt much better and I figured I would be able to resume yoga practice this week. Today my left hand is really tingly like it's asleep, which I'm sure is related to whatever stupid thing my nerve has decided to do. So here is my question since I know all of you are doctors specializing in sports medicine;:D

At this point would yoga help or hurt? If it was a muscle I'd go for it but I'm not sure about nerves. I know I could do it without causing pain, I just don't want to set myself back by making that nerve angry. Does anyone have any experience with anything like this?

I know when i stop yoga for a while and then start back up....everything hurts for the next couple of days. BUT then again i do Bikram Yoga, so then again its a little more aggressive than just regular yoga. I guess it depends on what kind of yoga you're doing. I, personally, would just rest your body til you're fully healed. If you want to do some stretching at home...i would do that. Give your body time to recover from whatever its going thru. :thumbup:

Thank you. Haha, I'm sure I'm going to be a bit sore when I start again. I was going to start with just a little at home before going to class again but I'm going to give it one more day I guess. Sugar is having a dental with possible surgery today and I'm so stressed just a few sun salutations would have been nice but I really don't want to aggravate that pinched nerve and be out for another week.

It does sound like a pinched nerve or a nerve problem. I don't know anything about Yoga, but I bet Jodie (LuvMySissy) would know as I thinks she's a yoga instructor. I hope your pain leaves as quickly as it showed up! My guess would be to rest it and give it a chance to heal. Good luck! Hope you feel better soon!

Have you had any issues with your neck lately? Many times pain in the upper arms/shoulders can be directly linked to problems in the neck. And, whenever your hands are on the ground, make sure you use "starfish" hands with the fingers splayed as far apart as possible and rooting down through the thumb. When you aren't very particular about your hand position/placement, you can definitely aggravate any tendencies toward tendonitis.

I would probably try a little yoga, but if it hurts at all while doing it, stop.

Other than that, see a doctor!!!!!!

P.S. The pain rub that I swear by is called 024. You can usually find it at Rite Aid or CVS sold in the areas where BenGay would be. It is pricey, but wonderful and lasts a long time. It is in a khacki/orange colored box and you want the long, skinny glass tube, not the individual wipes. If you find it and use, you need only one spritz rubbed in very well. Then make sure to wash your hands with lots of soap to get the residue off. It is a blend of essential oils that have actual healing properties.

If I were you, I would go to a GOOD chiropractor, and I say good, because there are some quacky ones out there. A good chiropractor will tell you if they can't help you. I had the same thing happen to me, I don't have health ins. so finally gave in and went to the chiropractor(all drs do is give you meds for the pain, which doesn't correct the problem). I can honestly say the chiropractor knew exactly what it was, and after 2 visits was really helping, but, with the economy like it is and Steve not knowing from one day to the next if he was going to still have a job and having to take pay cuts, I had to stop, but, it really isn't too expensive($30-$35) visit. Please have it looked at by one of them first.

Thank you so much Jodi! I was really hoping you would see this. No trouble with my neck. It really came out of nowhere. Things like this can really make you feel old.:p I'm going to try a little light yoga tomorrow and see what happens. I'll also look for the cream you suggested. That sound like a great thing to have around anyway.

If it doesn't get better or gets worse I would definitely look into that. After the first few days it's been really just a minor inconvenience. Not even really pain, just a little jolt now and then with certain movements. I was just concerned after reading about pinched nerves and the best treatment being rest, that I could make it worse. I understand muscles but I am completely ignorant when it comes to nerves.

It does sound nerve-related. Is there any way it could be carpal tunnel - which could radiate both directions? You haven't had overuse in the wrist or anything? You could try some mild stretching..but if it doesn't get better, I'd probably see a doc bc you wouldn't want nerve damage or anything. I hope it gets better!

Thanks Ann! If it's carpal tunnel I place the blame squarely on YT!:D It's pretty good tonight so I'm hoping the tingling earlier was it's last hurrah.