Hooped my neck...AGAIN!

[BigJames]

Well, about 5 years ago I had a stiff neck and I was trying to stretch out the stiffness and I either over did it or the damage was already done, but in the middle of the night I woke up in agony: pain in my neck, through my trap, and down into my right arm and hand. The aching pain was accompanied by numbness at my right thumb and index finger. It took about 6-8 months to recover and even after that I had reduced strength in my right arm on movements like curls (which is a little odd if you know anything about the nerve pathways). I had a pinch in my neck at the C6 or C7 vertebrae.

Anyway, it healed and I was good for the last 5 years as long as I didn't do heavy shrugs or sloppy rows.

Last Thursday (Dec 20) I hit the gym in the am for some back and felt off the whole time. I ended up not lifting heavy and leaving early, but i was not sure what was off. it just felt wrong. Later that day the pain started and I am back to 5 years ago. My neck is freaking killing me and my arm is in agony. I went to my doc and all he suggested was advil, tylenol, and physio. Perfect...but my physio / chiro / ART practitioner is away until Jan 5.

This SUCKS. I just finished my cycle a week ago and I am freaking hooped over here. I am resting and treating it and hoping that I can recover to get SOME kind of training in next week, but with a neck injury it is really hard NOT to strain it well doing any exercise at all.

AARRGGHHH

Happy New Year To Me!

[BigJames]

Well, it is starting to finally feel a little better today. I had several pain free hours of sleep last night, but when I am up and about it aches...hopefully it will keep feeling better so I can get some form of training in during my PCT which starts next week.

[BigJames]

Well bros, given the recurring nature or this injury and the seriousness of it, I have decided to take some time off the gym and then come back to it with a new goal. I previously aimed at being about 230 lbs at 10% BF, but it has become a reality to me that I cannot sustain the lifting required to acheive this level of mass without hurting my neck on a weekly basis. I am going to aim for a more acheiveable (and apparently more appealing) physique goal of 9-10% BF at 210-215 pounds. I think all I really need to do is change my training a little and do some cardio and stick to my clean diet and I will get there relatively quickly. I have noticed that since I hit 30 my injuries are worse and take longer to recover from. I have been out of the gym for a month, but I have been eating well and keeping my protein high. I still weigh about 230-235lbs, but I look flat because I have not been able to train properly.

My wife wants me to try to look like the Rock in that new movie, The Game Plan and that may be what I aim for since I am the same height as have a similar build.

Anyway, I will still be around the forums, but I am not sure right now if I will ever go back to the dark side...it is tempting and it feels so right, but the training that comes with it just wrecks my worn out parts.

Good Luck bros!

[MuscleScience]

Go see a chiropractor, maybe he can help you out with your injury.

[lovbyts]

I have the same issue now. Ive been trying chiropractor for a couple weeks, very little relief even though I know he is good. Going for MRI next week. Ive been taking anti inflammatory also, no help. Pain meds no help. Right arm sucks bad, lot of tingling and numbness. It's obviously my neck and i can make it worse or better depending on my neck/back possition. If I pull my neck back hard I can feel electricity going down my arm to my thumb. If I extend it it's better. If I lean forward sitting my arm goes numb.

Ive been icing and it helps very little. I hope someone has some advise.