Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 8/28/2006

Question
Hello Kristina. My name is Emily, and I suffer from a pinched cervical nerve that affects my whole left shoulder, arm, and the left side of my neck and sometimes even tongue. It's my "C-6" nerve. I have had an MRI; the nerve is not being pinched by my spine, just the muscles of my shoulder, which are incredibly tight. This happened a year ago, and I have been attending physical therapy ever since. I have been on prescription anti-inflammatories and a course of cortisone steroids -- neither have helped at all. I get very temporary (30 min. or so) relief from heat, ice, a topical rub to increase circulation, and massage (from my PT). I am only 17 and active! I play clarinet, and sometimes the tingling in my fingers impairs my playing. The pain is sometimes so bad I can't focus in school. Anything you can recommend to help my muscles relax and heal would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Emily H.


Answer
Emily,
Thanks for your question.  For any kind of condition due to tight muscles, regular massage is important.  I'd seek this out in addition to the physical therapy.  You can also do alternating hot and cold to that area at home, too.  This can be done with hot and cold towels or packs, or even in the shower.  Doing that 2-3 times a day will help speed up the progress, in addition to the therapy.  Stretching several times a day is important, too.  If your PT has given you stretching exercises to do at home, make sure you do that.  Chiropractic care may also be helpful.
Herbal antiinflammatories like tumeric, ginger, bromelain, rosemary, and others can often help decrease pain.  A typical combination of these should be taken 3-4 times a day for acute pain, or 1-2 times for maintenance.  Flax oil or fish oil supplements are also anti-inflammatory.  Calcium and magnesium are also important in muscle contraction and relaxation, and can help decrease tightness.  Finally, but also most importantly, an antiinflammatory diet is crucial.  This would be high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and filtered water; moderate in fish, dairy, and good fats like olive or flax oil; low in meat, sugar, white flour products, processed foods, and fried foods.  Many times diet is the key to providing long-lasting relief.  
Good luck in your search
Dr Conner