Literally and figuratively. Having been plagued by neck and shoulder pain for over a week and not finding much relief from two deep sports massages, I dragged myself to the doctor. After much poking, prodding and questioning, the doc determined that I have a separated shoulder! It most likely happened when I crashed at Wente and the pain, while mild at first, is intense at the moment due to ligaments and bones that did not heal in proper alignment and are rubbing against each other. Lovely. Apparently, the neck pain is from my body compensating for the shoulder pain. It has resulted in muscle seizures all around my trapezius.
Recommended action:
1. Stretch: I was given three exercises to do daily to strengthen my back.
2. Pillow manipulation: A lot of time was dedicated to demonstrating proper pillow placement, pillow folding and towel rolling and inserting to better align my neck and shoulders in bed. One technique requires rolling a towel around a belt and strapping it to you body! I am not sure I'll be trying that one out.
3. Vicadin: To help alleviate the pain so that I can sleep through the night.
4. Ice: Instructed to ice the top of my shoulder and neck for 20 minute periods late in the day.
5. Advil: Take 800 mg (4 tablets) 3X/day
6. Wine: Instructed to drink at least one glass a day with dinner for muscle relaxation. The doctor has not had much success with muscle relaxants and finds that wine produces the same result. He also made sure that I knew it was ok to drink the wine with the Vicadin!
7. Avoid hot baths: Unless they are taken right before a training ride as the muscles will stiffen and harden immediately afterwards.
If the pain persists for another week, I need to schedule a follow-up for a Cortisone shot!
6 comments:
Oh Emily, I'm so sorry to hear that. That crash feels SO long ago (and since I was in the crash with you, I really mean it!). What a bummer that your injury has been bugging you until now. I'm glad you've got some advice on what to do and even more glad that it includes wine in the remedy. I'll drink to that!
get a second opinion.
on everything except the wine...
Em - I agree with PAB - especially about the cortisone shot. Don't make plans to do anything for a couple days after you get the shot and make sure someone drives you to get it. Some people have bad reactions to cortisone - a former boss had to be driven home from getting his shot and it didn't alleviate his pain at all. Also, find a good physical therapist - they can really work wonders and provide additional strategies for loosening up and then strengthening up your shoulder. Good luck!
Bummer!!!
After my broke collar bone healed I was all hunched over in a protective posture. I went to see a Hellerworker three times and was pretty much straightened out. It was the most painful 'massage' I've ever had but it did the trick.
You might look for someone who does deep tissue massage/Hellerwork/Rolfing who can help put things back in place.
Good Luck!!
how do giraffes manage?!
Great advice ya'll. Just made an apt. to see another sports med doc. I need to rack up some medical charges before the end of the year anyway so that I use up the money left in my health spending account.
Finding a good PT sounds like a great idea.
Not familiar with Hellerworkers but it definitely sounds worth a try. At this point, I am willing to try just about anything.
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