Question
HI,
I have recently taken up salsa dancing and during a lady's right hand turn, my partner didn't loosen his grip and this injuried my wrist ASAP.  The next morning, the pressure near the back of my upper neck was very sore.  If felt as if I needed a neck brace because I needed to minimize my neck/head movements in order to have less pain.  I found that pressing two points with my thumb and index finger behind my head/on top of my neck on the sides it helped to numb the pain.  What happened?  I've never experienced anything like this and it has been 3 nights now.  I am dreading to go to bed knowing I'll be awakened with pain to the back of my neck. Any suggestions?

Answer

Brachial plexus Hi Julia,

You may have suffered from a traction injury to your brachial plexus. When your partner did not loosen his grip on your writs, your arm was pulled while your neck was probably turning. The nerves that go into your arms and hands actually come from your neck so when those nerves are stretched (such as when your partner did not release his grip), you will not only have wrist pain but neck pain too.

I would recommend that you seek treatment from a chiropractor for your neck pain. Treatment may include moblizations, muscle release therapy and ice. In the meantime try applying an ice pack to your neck for 10 minutes. Make sure you wrap the icepack with a towel or t-shirt before applying it to your neck so that you do not suffer freezer burn.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza