Pinched nerve... no pain?

[johnnythunders]

Whats up fellas,

I've been going through some rehab the past 5 or 6 weeks because of, what the MDs and I believe to be, a pinched nerve at my C7. Weird thing is theres no pain. Just extreme loss of strength in my left bi, tri, and shoulder workouts. As well as, intermittent numbness/tingling in my left thumb and index finger.

I was on vacation and hadn't touched weights in about 4 days when my left arm felt unusually heavy one morning. The gym hasn't been the same since.

Deep tissue massages and TENS unit treatments seem to be working on the numbness in my fingers. No real improvement in arm strength.

My question is if anyone here has experienced something similar and how long did you stay out of the gym until easing back in? I always hear people start back up with weights after the pain subsides. My PT says I need to focus on low impact aerobic workouts. Mostly swimming.

Has anyone gone through rehab for a pinched nerve with no associated pain?

 

[chinaboy]

Yes you can loose function without any pain if a nerve is pinched. Loss of strength is high on the list for concern. It does not always come back yet the quicker you get treated the greater the chance for recovery. Reducing inflammation is key if the irritant is chemically induced by inflammation but surgery may be required if the nerve is mechanically irritated with a herniated disk. An MRI would show a picture of what is going on. An EMG would more so tell how the nerves are functioning and help pin point the source. However, EMGs shouldn't be done for acute injuries.

 

[buck]

Those symptoms are quite normal when dealing with nerves. It can be quite a process to get it resolved unfortunately.

 

[johnnythunders]

Thanks fellas. I appreciate the insight. I'll keep this thread posted with my progress in a few more weeks.

 

[flipper2012]

Same exact thing I'm going through. I have two minor bulging discs. Doing physical therapy and deep tissue. It's about week six and I'm starting to get strength back.

 

[johnnythunders]

Thanks fellas. I appreciate the insight. I'll keep this thread posted with my progress in a few more weeks.

 

[johnnythunders]

Thats great to hear youre getting results quickly. I've heard 6 months+. Stayed out of the gym all week and I want to say I've felt the most improvement today. I may go for a light gym session tomorrow and gauge it.

Are you lifting still?

 

[mohawkmike]

DON'T STAY AWAY FROM THE GYM, CONTINUE TRAINING

 

[john161]

look into scalene trigger points. C7 nerve does not go to thumb. And the emg wont differentiate if pinched nerve from disc, joint, or muscles in the neck-shoulder.

 

[WeightMachine]

Chiropractic can alleviate the pressure on the nerve.

I have the same problem. Stop doing shrugs!

When I stop making progress I go back to the Chiro.

Traction, massage, physical therapy, adjustments, and stretching help.

Always try to maintain posture while lifting and in life.

If all that doesn't help surgery is next.

 

[WeightMachine]

Gorilla gluing two tennis balls works great for massaging the upper back and neck up against a wall. Just don't crack the dry wall. Weed helps with discomfort if legal in your local. I tape the balls together while the glue cures.