Question
Hi, I am not one to complain:)  However,  recently working as a MHT,  when doing a transfer, I felt an unusual twindge in my right shouldger bald,  the next day the pain was sharp and hnow was going down my right arm,..and part of my hand was becoming numb.  I went to my regular MD,..and was just given a muscle relaxor and sent on my way,..still this was over a week ago, and my problem remains.  Thought maybe if you had the time,  you could make other suggestions.  I try not to use my right arm anymore than needed,  but workinmg as a health care worker,  makes that vertually impossible:)  I am also taking ibuprofen and capistan ointment I rub on the whole right arm and back where  ti still remains just as uncomfortable as it was in the beginning:(  ouch!  Would appreciate any advice or suggestions as your time permits.  Thanx for your help and have a great day:)  ron

Answer
Dear Ron, thank you for your question.
I agree that you are in a tough position. Dealing with patients means that proper posture and body mechanics often go out the window.
It sounds like you pinched a nerve in your neck area, which causes the pain and numbness. Every time you use your arms, the muscles in the neck and upper back tighten up and put pressure on the nerve, causing more pain.
Try watching your posture as much as possible, by keeping your ears lined up over your shoulders and avoiding freuent/prolonged bending of the neck.
You can also try an exercise to reverse the direction of force. Sit in a straight back chair and put your left hand behind your head, then gently tilt your head back, so you look up at the ceiling (supporting your head with your hand). Lift your head back up and repeat 3-5 times. This exercise moves the discs away from the nerves and should bring some relief.
You may feel an increase in pain in the base of the neck area, which is ok, as long as the pain/numbness is getting less in the arm.
Go to the McKenzie Institute website, they have more info on selftreatment of neck/back problems (www.mckenziemdt.org)
There is a good book by Robin McKenzie "Treat your own neck", which explains what may be going on and describes exercises in detail.
Hope this helps, let me know.
Heidi