Dealing With Injuries and Hand Numbness

[Walking Beast]

Hello all. Just joined here. I saw that this site seems to be a much more disciplined and "professional" forum as opposed to all the shit talking and bullshit of some other forums. So thats why I joined here. It seems people here are much more focused on training, diet, results. I train mostly for that vent , but have always had the goal to become massive, freakish.

Ive ruptured 4 discs in my spine from ignoring pain, brutal training. Took myself out for 2 years at one point but climbed my way back. The main issue I have now though has been wrist issues and hand numbness for the last 3 years. Meaning Ive lost maybe 20 percent feeling in hands for the last 3 years and wrists are always very tight. Knock shit over all the time but once I grip something my grip is still very strong.

It was diagnosed as mild carpal tunnel in one nerve test. In another they said nothing showed so it was considered mild nerve irritation. It doesnt seem to have impeded function yet. However these tests were done 3 years ago. Its maybe slightly worse now.

Anyone have issues like this? My throat has also become very constrictive and alot of acid, gagging throughout the day the last few years. Maybe due to adding daily tramadol, not enough fluids, or waist getting too big from 20 years of bulking. Waist is 39 inches currently. I was 105 lbs when I started with very fast metabolism and could not hold weight without massive eating. This changed as I approached 30, and now 33.

Im 5'8 , 226 lbs currently, have done some on and off cycling but nothing too extreme yet. Though have been training nearly 20 years.

Heres a link to my training journal, which includes a video link in signature.:

Muscular Development Forums

I get alot of shit from people because my training and lifestyle is very unconventional and goes against many accepted rules. The vent for me is the primary reason I do this. Like an exorcism. So training has been very extreme , especially in the past. Now its toned down to get around all these strains.

Any feedback is appreciated

KILLLLL THAT SHIT!!

 

[ajdos]

Sounds like the attrition from a lot of lifting and time spent in the gym. I have no experience with carpal tunnel or back problems but it seems at the 20 year mark you have to have at least a couple things that are rusted through or about to break.

 

[phatrr]

Hey brother,

Maybe this will help.

I started having severe pain in the base of my thumb, at the joint, in 2008. Spent a lot of time and cash trying to figure it out. The thumb pad itself would get swollen; you could feel the tendon had knots.

Finally think I got it figured out and under control last week. Turned out that the neurovascular bundle which runs between the pec minor and coracobrachialis was getting pinched by the corocabrachialis. The CB is activated strongly when you pronate, grip, and bend the elbow. My CB was / is all knotted up from years of strongman.

Got an ART guy to work on the CB, he reaches under the pec minor to do it, and after 3 treatments, my hand is pain free and swelling is diminishing.

Good luck.

 

[write]

yea my pinky is like numb all the time ?! like its asleep.

yea my pinky is like numb all the time ?! like its asleep.. its been like that for like 1 year ! wtf.. hmmmm ///????

 

[Walking Beast]

Sounds like the attrition from a lot of lifting and time spent in the gym. I have no experience with carpal tunnel or back problems but it seems at the 20 year mark you have to have at least a couple things that are rusted through or about to break.

Definately brother. Training has always been extreme and excessive. More of an exorcism for my demons than for the results. Its good to get other perspectives on injuries since I have no intentions to stop training until my shit is dead. Just adapt to what comes my way.

Im interested to see if those with hand numbness for many years have actually lost function in hands over time. That was my main concern. Pressing is definately more painful just putting pressure on my hands.

KEEP KILLIN THAT SHIT!!

 

[Walking Beast]

Hey brother,

Maybe this will help.

I started having severe pain in the base of my thumb, at the joint, in 2008. Spent a lot of time and cash trying to figure it out. The thumb pad itself would get swollen; you could feel the tendon had knots.

Finally think I got it figured out and under control last week. Turned out that the neurovascular bundle which runs between the pec minor and coracobrachialis was getting pinched by the corocabrachialis. The CB is activated strongly when you pronate, grip, and bend the elbow. My CB was / is all knotted up from years of strongman.

Got an ART guy to work on the CB, he reaches under the pec minor to do it, and after 3 treatments, my hand is pain free and swelling is diminishing.

Good luck.

Appreciate the feedback brother. I can never find these ART specialists but have heard alot of good things about them. Definately has been a consideration.

KEEP KILLIN IT!!

 

[Walking Beast]

yea my pinky is like numb all the time ?! like its asleep.. its been like that for like 1 year ! wtf.. hmmmm ///????

I have maybe a 20 percent loss of feeling in both hands. Just feels very fuzzy in my hands, is best I can explain it. Also alot of wrist tightness and back of my hands hurt alot sometimes. Also the base of the palm gets alot of pain with pressing. Throbbing type pain in base of palm sometimes, not sharp. Back of hands can be sharper pain, and wrists.

Good to see what others are working around

KILLLLLLL!!

 

[Walking Beast]

Ill provide a little information that I have come across in the hours of research, doctor visits, nerve testing, wrist injections etc


From what I understand there are three areas where the ulnar nerve can be impinged and cause hand numbness. These are the three areas that cause hand numbness to my knowledge. Cervical pinch , can be caused by inflammed, ruptured disk in the area of the neck. Ulnar nerve in elbow. Ulnar nerve in wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome).

I was never able to get a clear answer exactly where my nerve is pinched or what exactly is going on. I have had multiple MRI scans, two nerve conductor tests, two wrist injections. The wrist injections didnt help the numbness so the doc assumed that the surgery for carpal tunnel would be ineffective.

The first nerve conduction test showed mild carpal tunnel. Doctor was very difficult to work with so I got a second opinion. Second nerve test from another doctor showed normal results. Nothing. So he said it must be minor nerve irritation, but no damage. I have another test scheduled for the 16th. This will be the 3rd test, and its 3 years from my last test. Though my hands feel mostly the same, maybe a little more numb, hard to say.


Left is slightly more numb than right.

So if you have hand numbness you may want to look into nerve conduction tests and keep those 3 areas in mind. I find that you have to usually tell the doctors what you want done.

Ive just been dealing with it for over 3 years now. I did take a 6 month break from training where I basically did not train at all. No changes. So I decided to train around or through it if need be

The last doctor gave me the ok to train as well, due to nothing really showing up.

Im interested, as I said, mainly to see if anyone actually lost the use of thier hands completely , since right now my hands are clumsy but the grip is still very strong. Never use straps and row very heavy.

My second issue I mentioned has been weird throat issues. Started with a lump in throat feeling. Nothing showed in scans though. Had a tube down my throat to check. Small hiatal hernia but apparently that doesnt cause any issues, not at this size according to doc.

Some docs have said my neck is too thick. However my neck was 18 inches, like it is now, back in 2004 as well. No problems then. Another doc said dehydration. Possible but I never took in alot of fluids and did not have these issues before. Others say its psycological related to stress. Always been fucking stressed. Mind is an extremely intense warzone 24/7. So I dont really have an answer. I get alot of acid in my throat and lately gagging alot. Especially after taking stimulants or over eating, or both combined.

Ive also been on tramadol for a few years now and that seems to aggravate it. I take 100 mgs daily. My throat always feels like shit though and alot of acid and always tight.

Its definately forced me to adapt my eating habits to work around it

KILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

 

[Floxedone]

ART chiro

Inosine supplements

Curcumin and digestive enxymes 2 times a day on empty stomach to heal nerves/repair DNA, dissolve bad tissue.

**broken link removed**

Good luck.
**broken link removed**

 

[NY Muscle]

I have this shit too in may hands. If I lift my hands over my head it's as if the blood rushes out and my hands go numb. Feet too if I cross my legs sitting or raise legs up it goes numb. Sucks. Going back to my Art giy this week and also getting some testing at my friends physical therapy place next week.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2

 

[Walking Beast]

ART chiro

Inosine supplements

Curcumin and digestive enxymes 2 times a day on empty stomach to heal nerves/repair DNA, dissolve bad tissue.

**broken link removed**

Good luck.
**broken link removed**

Appreciate the information. Curcumin sounds good. Ive heard it mentioned alot on this forum. Ive tried cissus and did nothing for me. I will have to try curcumin and the enzymes and omega 3's

 

[Walking Beast]

I have this shit too in may hands. If I lift my hands over my head it's as if the blood rushes out and my hands go numb. Feet too if I cross my legs sitting or raise legs up it goes numb. Sucks. Going back to my Art giy this week and also getting some testing at my friends physical therapy place next week.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2

Good to know its not just me. When I posted this in MD all I got was bullshit and insults about my training.

I dont notice it so much when I lift my hands over head but strangely when I lay down in bed my hands seem to get even worse. Sometimes falling asleep with throbbing pain. Most of the time its not bad enough to wake me up or consistant enough but there has been times. Its a nasty fucking feeling in my hands 24/7. Just feels very strange. Hands always feel swollen even though they appear normal, super tight wrists. I cant do push ups anymore because I cant bend my hands all the way back. Knock shit over all the time, drop things, but grip is good once I have my hand around something.

Its my whole hands not just a few fingers. Would love to know what that shit is. I get my third nerve test done on 16th. I dont expect them to tell me shit. Will probably tell me its nothing again.

Thanks again for the feedback brother. Not many people push themselves to these extremes so its very difficult to understand what is happening sometimes. Doctors dont fucking get it , nor do they give a fuck


How long have you had this issue? Has it gotten worse? Has it interferred with your training much?

KILL THAT SHIT !!

 

[NY Muscle]

Good to know its not just me. When I posted this in MD all I got was bullshit and insults about my training.

I dont notice it so much when I lift my hands over head but strangely when I lay down in bed my hands seem to get even worse. Sometimes falling asleep with throbbing pain. Most of the time its not bad enough to wake me up or consistant enough but there has been times. Its a nasty fucking feeling in my hands 24/7. Just feels very strange. Hands always feel swollen even though they appear normal, super tight wrists. I cant do push ups anymore because I cant bend my hands all the way back. Knock shit over all the time, drop things, but grip is good once I have my hand around something.

Its my whole hands not just a few fingers. Would love to know what that shit is. I get my third nerve test done on 16th. I dont expect them to tell me shit. Will probably tell me its nothing again.

Thanks again for the feedback brother. Not many people push themselves to these extremes so its very difficult to understand what is happening sometimes. Doctors dont fucking get it , nor do they give a fuck


How long have you had this issue? Has it gotten worse? Has it interferred with your training much?

KILL THAT SHIT !!

I'd say it's been 8 months. I started vitamin b1 and b6 twice a day and seems to reduce it some but it may have been a coincidence as I haven't taken the vitamins in a few months and it hasn't gone back to how bad it was when it first started. I'm getting I think an Emg test next week and will have my Art guy look more seriously into it for me.

Doesn't bother me too much with training unless my hands are over my head too long.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2

 

[NY Muscle]

Come to think of it yes it does bother me now during training where as in the past it didn't much. I had shoulder surgery a little over a month ago and started training again last week and from not using my muscles like I used too it's rather bad in the gym. I notice the more I move and stretch the better it feels. So the lack of working out made it worse.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2

 

[Walking Beast]

Come to think of it yes it does bother me now during training where as in the past it didn't much. I had shoulder surgery a little over a month ago and started training again last week and from not using my muscles like I used too it's rather bad in the gym. I notice the more I move and stretch the better it feels. So the lack of working out made it worse.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2

Sounds similiar to what ive had for the last 3+ years. When I took off there were not improvements so I decided to train through and around it.

I tried high doses of b6 and b12 with no improvements. Stretching doesnt seem to do anything for it either. Its consistantly the same.

Time will tell

 

[Ashop]

Clean up your DIET and lose some weight,,,those two things can help your health in many ways.

 

[Walking Beast]

Clean up your DIET and lose some weight,,,those two things can help your health in many ways.

Appreciate the feedback

Definately something thats been a strong consideration. Always tell myself when I break into the 20's on arms Ill do it. Hate to lose muscle even though it comes back pretty fast. At some point I will get it over with though

 

[KillerStack]

I'm 36 years old and this past year I started going numb in both pinkie fingers when I held my arms in certain positions. I haven't read up about it out of sheer laziness. A couple of days ago I was at the doctor's and mentioned this and said, I suppose this is carpal tunnel syndrome? She said it probably originates in the neck. If the index and middle finger go numb it's more likely to be CTS. And I have actually been experiencing some relatively mild neck pain, feel a little pain when I turn my head to the left.

She also said it's not too bad if the pinkie fingers go numb, you don't really need those fingers for physical work. WTF!

Never been to any type of physical therapist. Would a chiropractor be something to consider? This is a socialist country (Sweden) and they don't want to pay for MRI scans if they can help it, which I probably should get to see if there is some disc problem in my neck.

 

[Walking Beast]

I'm 36 years old and this past year I started going numb in both pinkie fingers when I held my arms in certain positions. I haven't read up about it out of sheer laziness. A couple of days ago I was at the doctor's and mentioned this and said, I suppose this is carpal tunnel syndrome? She said it probably originates in the neck. If the index and middle finger go numb it's more likely to be CTS. And I have actually been experiencing some relatively mild neck pain, feel a little pain when I turn my head to the left.

She also said it's not too bad if the pinkie fingers go numb, you don't really need those fingers for physical work. WTF!

Never been to any type of physical therapist. Would a chiropractor be something to consider? This is a socialist country (Sweden) and they don't want to pay for MRI scans if they can help it, which I probably should get to see if there is some disc problem in my neck.

Thank you for taking the time to read brother. Its good to find a quality forum. Difficult to find genuine people in real life, or online.

I understand your concerns about numbness. To me its significant because I assume if my hand can go partially numb why wouldnt it go fully numb? That is my line of reasoning. So far its mostly just sensory numbness and grip is still good.

Still I try to manage shit the best I can because I know I will never stop KILLIN THAT SHIT, and I expect there to be alot of pain and suffering throughout this life. I dont want to end up with hands that I cannot use anymore though. So I am keeping an eye on it and trying to manage it the best I can. After 3 years I dont really have the expectation of getting all my feeling back. Anything is possible but doctors have not been helpful in providing a solution.

I use a chiropractor and the releases feel great. I have four ruptured discs as well, so my back and neck get extremely stiff. With some cracks I definately feel loosened up. However for me it has not helped at all with the numbness in hands. Ive tried several. There are multiple causes for numbness so it really comes down to whats causing your situation. Mine may be something very different. The rupture in my neck was deemed to small to cause nerve impingement (so they say).

For me its my whole hands. Both of them as far as I can tell. Its not a complete numbness. It feels like im missing maybe 20 percent of my feeling in my hands. Its like a fuzzy feeling, not a clean feeling when I touch something. Hands always feel very swollen and tight along with wrists, but appear normal. Left hand is more numb than right. I also have tender inner elbows , pain in back of hands and wrists, and shoulders, but who the fuck knows because my knees and ankles hurt too. Every joint has some pain on my body by this point. Not severe but definately nagging pains. I have small bone spurs in elbows and shoulders as well. Not sure if they cause any issues at this stage.


I would reccomend that you try to do two things. First get an MRI so they can see how big the bulges are and if it might be impinging nerves. Second get a nerve scan done (EMG). This will show the strength of the nerve signals . I am getting my third one done on 16th. Its been 3 years since my last test, which showed nothing basically. If its very mild it may show nothing but thats about the best you can do with using medics. Xrays tend to be worthless for this type of thing.

Problem is doctors only want to do three things. Medicate you, inject shit into you, or cut you open. Those are not always the best solutions. My ruptured discs got better on thier own when I stopped lifting for 2 years, than came back by strengthening my core, and eventually climbed back beyond where I was at my previous peak. So dont expect too much from medics

Also they want to cover thier asses by telling you shit like Youll never lift again. Stop training, etc. Ive heard all that shit when I was trying to get back. Which was bullshit. They have no understanding of this process and the strength of the mind to overcome shit. Nor do they give a fuck. They just dont want to get sued.

It can be a mind fuck to deal with this type of shit , to train through it , keep forcing down food consistantly and tearing yourself apart when you feel this shit happening to you. Perspective is everything though. Approach it from the perspective that the medics are merely tools to achieve a goal. Have zero expectations for them. Most of the time they are worthless. If you go in without those expectations youll avoid alot of rage and frustration. Ive dealt with alot of this type of shit and now that I dont really give a fuck, its much better.

Chiropractor is optional but I find the relieft to be very good for my other issues. Im fine without a chiro though as well. For me its a luxury, but definately loosens things up.

KILL THAT SHIT !!!

 

[Walking Beast]

If anyone is interested heres a post from my journal to demonstrate that its possible to KILL THAT SHIT with numb hands.

I may eventually post a copy of my journal on this site if there is an interest for it.



Arms, Second arm session of the week, 15 mins cardio


150 mg tramadol pre workout with 1 scoop mr.hyde and 2000 mg beta alanine added in (for muscle endurance)


I underestimated the power of 3 painkillers pre workout. My wrists had alot of stiffness and pain , elbows, etc. Three seems to be the magic number now. Two is not as effective for me, for pain, but it does seem to give me a strength boost as well. Its strange how reducing pain makes my strength start rising back up immediately. It must slow me down somehow without me realizing it. I give the same intensity regardless.

Pressdowns just felt smooth today and that allowed me to bang it out. 300 for 20 was pretty easy and I felt I had more reps in me. Next week possibly.

If I have to hit 300x50 on pressdowns, fuck it, Ill do it. I would like to boost the weight up to 400+ to get into lower reps but cannot get anymore weight on the stack. Maybe its better that way since I lack self control and am training around alot of pain and strains.

I may have to try 150 mg for chest next week . Wrist pain has been hard for that session and for back too. I have been running 150 on the heavier days but not always all at once. Taken at once works best for me.

The Mr.Hyde stimulants are great. One scoop is still all I need. 400 mg caffiene. I add an extra 2000 mg beta alanine and that gives me a good 4.5 mg dosage which is very effective for me. I can already see my reps and volume increasing.

I have only been on pre workouts for the last 6 plus months or so. No other supplementation. So now I am adding back beta alanine, and I have some creatine coming in the mail. I will try to do 5-10 grams a day if my digestion allows. This should further boost my strength and size. I am also going to try aminos intra workout which Ive never really done. Ordered Xtend. Will probably do 2 scoops during training.

Also ordered liquid aminos by twinlab to add some protein into my diet at home. This combined with the heavy eating and arms twice a week training, more bodybuilding focused training has really been bringing my size back up. The creatine and aminos I havent implemented yet, but whenever it comes in I will add it.

My bad eating days have been very infrequent, and a bad day has been 200 protein for me. In the past a bad day might be 50-100. My usual days are 225-300 protein. So hitting whole milk again and mostly all whole foods heavy is bringing me back quickly.


Adding any hormones again later down the road will just have a more amplified effect since I am bringing most of my size back without them.

Very good pump today as well. Not too painful during training overall:


(224 lbs after meal)

Curved Bar Pressdowns

KILOGRAMS unless noted

35x100 warm up

No rest til line

65x70
95x20+
-----------

No rest til line (See video)

300 lbs x 20 (3 rep PR, had more in me, maybe next week. This was second arm session so shouldve been weaker)
45x17 alternating dumbbell curls
---------

No rest til line (see video)

300x13
255x20
95x15
80x12
65x12
50x12-20
55x6 alternating db curls
45x6 alternating db curls
---------

See video for the exact rep count on pressdowns, didnt bother to memorize each set exactly. The curl portion is not included since its in another area of gym

No rest til line

300 lbs x10
255 lbs x20
95x10 (kilograms, 200-210 lb stack)
72x15
57x12-15
60x6 Slow motion style alternating DB curls
45x6 Slow but not as slow as the prior set
---------------

Straight Bar Pressdowns

no rest til line

KILOGRAMS

65x35
95x10
40x15 alternating db curls
---------------

No rest til line

Incline DB curls

60x5
50x5 alternating db curls
60x10 standing cambered bar curl
--------------------

No rest til line

alternating db curls

50x10
35x8 alt db curls
-----------------

Plate Loaded Hammer Strength Dip Machine

180x10 (Just fucking around, trying to see how it feels on joints. Cut it short due to some strain. )

Alt db curls

35x20

Straight bar pressdown

KILOGRAMS

95x20
72x20
65x25
57x40-50
50x8-10 alt db curl
35x8-10 alt db curl
-----------------

No rest til line

db laterals

40x30
40x8 alt db curls

15 mins cardio

See videos below

KILL SHIT

[ame]http://youtu.be/9MfpD0RqF88[/ame]


Here is a link to my current journal

Muscular Development Forums