QuestionHave lots of lactic acid build-up upper right shoulder muscle.Massage helps a lot. Tingling down arm(right) and to thumb still there. Am told this will go away. Should I layoff the weights 3x / week at the gym or will it be beneficial? Gets numb/tingly on eliptical too as i swing my arms.(Also am a dental hygienist 2-3x/week. Please help? Old problem that has re-surfaced.Therapist says massage preventively from now on.
AnswerHi Cathy,
Based on your symptoms and career, my best long distance guess is the muscles in your neck called the scalenes are causing symptoms for you. When muscles get 'trigger points' they cause pain elsewhere.
Suggestion: Lay off the weights but keep the movement. Muscles like to move.
Watch your working posture--do you hike your right shoulder when you work? That can aggravate the scalene muscle.
Here are a couple of article links that will give you more information about the scalene muscles.
http://www.simplebackpainrelief.com/upper-back-pain/knots-in-shoulder-blade-with...
http://www.simplebackpainrelief.com/upper-back-pain/what-muscle-causes-pain-in-y...
I don't know whether your therapist knows how to how to do a release of the scalene muscles. You may have to look for one who does or ask him or her to learn this skill.
I'm a BIG fan of massage therapy and regular massage may help but treating the scalenes might be exactly what you need.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Kathryn Merrow
The Pain Relief Coach
