Pinched nerve making rads so painful.

Options
suzyqflowers
suzyqflowers Member Posts: 10
edited October 2019 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

ok this is a weird problem, but I have to ask. For six years, I’ve been in a very strenuous exercise class three days a week, with weights, etc. I’m also a 40 yr plus avid hard physical work gardener. In all those years I’ve injured my shoulder a few times. Have had no range of motion problems that impeded work or play. Long story short. Bc diagnosed in July, had lumpectomy and started rad this week. The Bc was my left side. My ‘bad’ shoulder is my right. I cannot for the life of me hold my right arm in the upright bent backward position that is required, along with pushing my little green button for breathing apparatus. My shoulder just goes into painful spasms. The techs are amazed at the jumping muscles. I’m ok for the short sessions, but the ones where they add X-rays are excruciating. I literally cannot move my own arm down. Pinched nerve possibly as ipain goes away as soon as I can get my arm down. They’ve offered no solution-I can’t believe I’m the only person who has ever had this issue. Any advice appreciated...

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2019

    Ouch! Are you able to hold the pose at home for a long time? Do you do yoga? I recommend arm stretches and magnesium supplements.

    My rad sessions were very long. I would do arm exercises and stretches before and after each session, and I never had trouble holding the pose. I even slept with my arms overhead.

    You can also try arm nerve gliding or flossing techniques to relax the nerves. Utube has many videos.

    Hope this helps.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited October 2019

    I have nerve damage from a neck surgery, and OA in my right shoulder. Sometimes it feels unhinged. Told RO before rads this time, they made a mold for my arm. It did take the tension off. Still had to have help moving it to get off table.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suzyqflowers
    suzyqflowers Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2019

    no problem with the other arm- this is different. I have pretty good range of motion in both arms. I do yoga and stretching exercise. It’s the holding I can’t do on one side. I’ll investigate the YouTube vids, thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suzyqflowers
    suzyqflowers Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2019

    thank you! I see the doc on Monday and will ask about it. Started tamoxifen about 2 weeks ago and that could be making joint pain worse. There is no way I could hold still with pain that bad. I’m literally sobbing by the end and I have pretty good pain tolerance

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories