United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hey,
I'm stressed out right now about a bunch of stuff going on and it seems like I can't have anything on my neck on the BPI side. Usually it's only if I try to wear necklaces or am wearing a jacket/blaser with a collared shirt but now its even wearing a Tshirt. It's probably just the stress making me more sensitive but I wondered if this is a sensory issue and does anyone else get it? It's my lower neck on the right side, just about where the shoulder meets neck. (The skin above where the brachial plexus is.) It's driving me crazy, anyone know how to stop it?
Thanks,
Carrie

I get that too, but I have no way to stop it. I end up just living with it til it goes away on its own.

Yes Carrie, that is your body talking to you and it IS a Sensory thing. Yes, I get that when I am over-stretched AND stressed in energy, time and "Must-Do-This-MYSELF-NOW" mode.We each have our own way of getting relief. Since I've retired, I now not only slow body activity, but completely shut down even for a 20 minute power nap when this sensation starts up.

Hugs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI, 68

Carrie
Yes it is sensory issues. Stress can cause all sorts of problems for us because our nervous system is damaged.
Right now I am under a great deal of stress and the palm of my hand is so itchy I can't stand it.

I had about a week or two where things were not so stressful and no itch... I was amazed now the stress is back and so is the itch.

I can't wear even mock turtle neck because I gag sometimes and then other times I am fine.
I don't like even the shoulder harness on the seat belt to press on my shoulder - chest. I have a fuzzy thing that goes around the strap so that it's soft when I am a passenger in a car and must wear my seat belt....

Kath (robpi/adult)

I'd like to share what I have learned in OT school but of course this is not for everyone so take that into consideration.
Try rubbing that area with a cloth or your palm of your hand. Sometimes when people sustain peripheral nerve damage(BPI is peripheral nerve damage) for a number of reasons those damaged nerves are overactive and don't know how to shut off. Sometimes by rubbing a sensitive area this can reduce hypersensitivity. The exact mechanism or reason is not known as to how this works but its an idea if your interested.
Good lick
Becky

Thanks for the advice, but touching is not helping with my neck because it's super sensitive to any weight onto the nerves, but it does sometimes help with pain in other places. I thought that the doctor from Camp 2003 said this is because the nerves can't transmit two messages at once so the rubbing sensation can override the pain sensation sometimes. Touching something soft with that hand will help "distract" the nerves, so does showering and hot water. I'm taking like 3 showers/ a day. (Upshot: I smell really good.) When I was in my car a lot I kept a really soft beanie baby in there to "pet" while I drove that helped a lot. Maybe I should go find another beanie baby...

I get a burning sensation on my skin sometimes, it litteraly feels like its on fire, and I have found that stress is a huge factor.

I have found that ultrasound and massage really help me. But the biggest thing is reducing my stress level! Dont stress about what you cant change, then prioritize the rest and your stress should lighten up. Good luck,
Amy 19 years old ROBPI from MN