United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I posted this message on another board and only got one reply. I'm looking for help treating chronic pain in my non-bpi shoulder / neck area. It's just from overuse. I'm 28 and had a BP injury at birth and have never been able to use my right arm at all.

The years have taken a toll, b/c I experience pain all the time on my "good side". The cortisone shots have failed and physical therapy left me even worse. I hate taking pain pills--especially at work. I try to do strecthes, but that only helps briefly--as does heat / ice.

I am afraid of how the pain will worsen the older I get. Any advice?

Erica if you see a PT/OT request ultrasound and massage. I just had that couse of treatment and it solved all my problems, although my pain was not caused by overuse. I am fortunate enough not to have to deal with that just yet.
If you dont mind how long have you been getting pain from overuse? I am about 19 and really hope that I dont see over use issues until I am much older.

I hope that you are able to get some relief. Good luck!
Amy 18 ROBPI from MN

I agree with Amy... massage! I am TBPI but am going to start getting them every other week! There is a massage therapy school near me, the give 1 hour for $20! Look for one in your area maybe!!

COurt

Thanks! I do try to get deep tissue massages, but they get expensive. I'll have to check into a massage school near me.

Amy: I started to get shoulder and neck pain about my junior or senior year in college....nothing extreme. So I was about 21 or 22. The past 2 years have gotten bad (27, 28...I'll be 29 in April....aagghhh)!!

Good luck and thanks for the tips!

I love massage as well and feel that it has great benefit for us, but I would be careful about using a student masseuse because they might cause damage to the plexus area without meaning to. I'd prefer to get a more experienced masseuse, and even then, I'd careful to make sure that they understand the injury.

I have been told by several doctors not to massage the neck area because of the injury.

Erica, about your original question, my pain on the unaffected side began in my 40s. Because of the good advice of Kath Mallozzi, I've been very careful not to push or compensate too much knowing that I will pay a lifetime for pushing that 'good' arm too much.

What helps -- hot tub, sauna -- both my arms really like heat and I hope to retire to a warmer climate some day.

Nancy Birk
UBPN President
LOBPI, 52 years.

Bumping up for Angie.

Hugs to all,
Carolyn J