Pinched Neck Nerve

[sue320]

I found out yesterday that the reason my right arm is going numb (in a very specific area) is that I have a pinched nerve in my neck. I'm pretty sure that while I do my best to do abs correctly I know that I put a lot of stress/strain on that area with my workouts (I don't pull on my neck but carry tension there...during workouts and daily). So here's my question...what else can I do, ab wise, that will get me the workout without putting so much stress and strain on my neck? Anyone else had this problem?

(I actually considered that 6 second abs thingy since it doesn't involve traditional crunches.)

TIA

Sue<><

 

[NinjaMom]

Hi Sue,
I posted a while back about my pinched nerve too. In late June I woke up one morning and could not turn my head to the right. I went to the Dr. and was put on Prednisone (sp?). Then I started getting tingling & numbness down my arm and fingers. Dr. sent me to PT for 9 sessions and I was able to regain my ROM and the tingling/numbness ceased. I still have problems with my neck in terms of muscle tension and tightness. I have been seeing a chiropracter who uses acupuncture and shiatsu and I think I am finally getting back to 100%. Upon the PT's recommendations, I had to stop ab work, weight lifting and running for a while because the strain on my neck & upper back muscles was too great. I really hated putting my workouts on hold but I needed to listen to my body and give it a chance to heal. I think you need to listen to your Dr. and your body. If doing ab work strains your neck too much, maybe you can try some isometrics or do your ab work with your head & neck resting on the floor. Remember it is only temporary . Take care!
JJ

 

[LAEnggren]

I have always had lots of problems w/ my neck holds tension and stress real well so I gave up crunches an ddo core work Push ups full body really work the abs and the whole body really There is always the stability ball work Cathe does Also really hold your core tight all during your workouts. Good luck I know how bad this can feel
Lisa

 

[Alexis52]

As a person who had two disks replaced with a titanium plate, two years ago, I have a few suggestions. If it hurts, don't do it! If you must, try pilates but keep your head on the floor or on a folded towel and keep it there. If having your head in this position hurts, don't do it. If the pain doesn't go away or subside in about 10 days, demand an x-ray. If something is REALLY wrong, it will show up there. If the pain continues, get an MRI. Most docs won't do an MRI first cuz of insurance issues. But believe me, the neck is nothing to mess around with. Cheryl