Question
Two years ago I suffered an injury in a water slide going face first and arms extended in front of me. Midway the slide I maneuvered to the right side and fell hard on my left side. Since then I did physiotherapy which improved the movement of my left arm, but not completely as I retained a burning sensation on the muscle whenever I carried something heavy.

But recently I am feeling an acute nerve pull everytime I pull my head forward I feel the nerve of my back pull as well. The nerve on the left side of my face also feels tight and painful. Two weeks ago they were so tight in the morning that my neck creaked giving me
torcicolitis which refuses to go away and it's very painful everytime I turn the head to the left side.

I've tried a Chinese Therapist, an Osteopath and even though their massage provides relief it's always temporary.

I have kept up with the physiotherapy exercises and do several compresses a day alternating cold and heat.

I am at a loss about what to do now and would appreciate your input.

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Fabiana,

I am a bit confused...was the original/diagnosis injury to your left arm, the left shoulder, or an injury to the neck affecting the nerve supply into the left arm?  The reason I ask is that these are all very different injuries and require separate types of therapy for the best resolution.

Let me know what the the original working diagnoses were from the osteopath, and the Chinese therapist as well as the location of the original injury and I should be able to give you a more appropriate answer to possible continuing care.  I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net