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Topic: Neck Problems - Any recommendations?
Dear Rachel,
I read on your website about the problems you've had with your back. What
have you been doing to not just make the pain go away, but to heal the
injury? I have
neck pain radiating into my arm (with numbness and tingling in the hand)
and I've had three different people (Dr.'s of one form or another) tell me
its three different
things. You appear to be having at least some success with your treatment.
Everybody says I need an MRI, but nobody wants to send me to one.
The MD's gave me meds to mask the pain (and sent me to a PT) and the
DC wants to break my neck everyday. Any recommendations?
-- Marc
Dear Marc,
I'm sorry to hear about your neck pain and situation. It sounds like
you are on the right track...I suggest that you keep seeking information -
go to different doctors until you get a solution. Every doctor has a
specialty and strength. You need to find the one that can unequivocally
inform of the steps you need to take to get pain free. If you have
insurance and the doctors are suggesting you need and MRI, then go for it.
I have found that a number of strategies have helped me to manage my
condition. First, I continue to consult doctors and experts. I
am continually seeking information from doctors who work with athletes
like us. My belief is that I will come across someone who has had
the same problem and I will find a solution. Aside from regular visits to
my chiropractors, Dr. Jung and Dr. Wong at Heun Chiropractic, I spend a
lot of time icing, stretching and working on core strengthening exercises.
I ice for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time and try to ice 2-3x per day.
I stretch regularly with a focus on my hamstrings and psoas. I am also a
huge proponent of the techniques outlines by Julie
Donnelly in her book, "Pain Free
Triathlete". I also use the tools promoted by Trigger
Point Technologies. Cassidy
Phillips has some great exercises that are integral to injury
prevention and I know they are helping me to continue to train and race,
in spite of my physical challenges. I also highly recommend deep
tissue massage therapy to keep muscle fibers clean of adhesions and
limber...in the
East
Bay
I work with Andrew
Ezer. Andrew works with scores of athletes, many of whom who are top
track & field athletes, pro football players, triathletes, dancers,
cyclists and regular folk, too.
I hope that helps...good luck and get well!
Rachel
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