Question
Hi Dr. Gold, at the end of July I noticed the lower half of my left tricep looked really small and my left pectoral muscle was smaller as well.  I had been noticing that my pushups had been getting strained since late May. After a neck MRI and nerve conduction test the Drs. are saying this is a C6-C7 nerve root problem that is years old since I did not remember a recent injury, had very little neck pain and the disc herniation was small. An Indocine regimen has not changed anything and my arm still seems to be getting bonier at the elbow and down the outside of my forearm. The Drs. have been attentive but I know I have had normal strength up to May and thus disagree with the "year's old" conclusion. I just had a neck epidural, but since I am not in much pain I don't see that we are going down a path to remedy the issue. Is there anything else I should do?
Thanks.

Answer
Hello, Steven,

Nerve conduction problems are a common consequence of nerve impingement by tight neck muscles, as are disc herniations.

The muscles are being held tight by a protective postural reflex from your brain.  That reflex can be retrained, so the muscles and nerve root(s) come free.  Without that retraining, the muscles are likely to remain tight, and the attendant problems, to continue.

You may read my article on whiplash injuries, which has relevant information (even if you don't remember a whiplash injury).  See somatics.com/page4b.htm.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold