trapped nerve in my neck - ouch - what can I do?

[basildonbond]

I've had awful neck/upper back pain for the last few days and two days ago woke with what I'm assuming is a trapped nerve - horrible numb feeling in my shoulder travelling down my left arm (feels like permanently banging your elbow)

ibuprofen is doing nothing, I've been putting a hot water bottle against it which makes it more comfortable but doesn't stop it, went to the osteopath yesterday which hasn't changed a thing, and I've now barely slept for two nights as lying down is so uncomfortable - so is standing and sitting :-(

how can I make it go away???

You really need to see a Doctor as anyone here can only guess based on what you write here.

there a several things it could be, depending in part on what caused it, accident??, woke up with it??, other health problems etc etc

I get something similar as a result of muscle spasms in my shoulder & neck, this pinches nerves sometimes causing pain similar to what you describe here, as mine tends to be a recurring problem, my GP prescribes muscle relaxants for it, Diazepam, this relaxes the muscle spasm & also helps with the nerve pain, usually a day or so will sort it out,

In the beginning I was advised to rest it, use ibruprofen for muscle swelling & a freeze type muscle spray you can buy from the chemist, ...... heat will swell the muscle further & so further pinch the nerve...... you can alternate heat pads & ice packs, the ice reduces swelling & helps free the nerve, & the heat will sooth the sort muscles

hope you feel better soon

Presumably if you've seen an osteopath you know what the problem is (so any advice we give won't make it worse).

I get regular problems with my neck since a whiplash injury 20 odd years ago.

I've had physio and stuff. The advice they give to me is:

Take pain killers and keep it moving - exercise by lying on the floor on your back and pressing your neck down on the floor. Gently try to turn your neck from side to side. Also rotate your neck all the way round - chin on chest type of thing.

Sleep with a rolled up towel under your neck to give it support.

It does go but in 1-2 weeks for me. In the meantime, it's really painful.

I'd go to a chiropractor rather then an osteopath.