QuestionFor about a month, I've experienced a pulling type pain from
the left side of my neck down to my shoulder. This may be a
tell-tale sign which my medical doctor (primary care) didn't
really seem to care about - even though the pain seems like
it's coming from a pinched nerve in my cervical spine, the
fact that I have periodical small spasms in my upper
pectoral (left side), back of arm (tricep), and just under
my underarm (perhaps intercostal muscle) seems to indicate
something else, perhaps only muscular.
I have been doing LOTS AND LOTS of weight training recently
over the past 3 months with dumb bells and the Smith machine
with 2 trainers 3x a week plus high intensity cardio. I do
have snapping scapula on the left side and my left side is
my dominant side. I have slight torticollis (but that was
the right side) and have round shoulders and my head sits
forward slightly. Have always struggled with bad posture,
but I have strived to do excellent form with my exercising,
and I have never had a problem with form, but I do tend to
try and keep my head lifted a lot, which may cause extra
pain. Without putting a bug in your ear, I have suspected
my levator scapulae muscle.
Please give me some insight! I tried being easy on the
working out for 1 1/2 weeks, then returned, and the pain has
returned. 2 nights ago, I was practically in tears, it hurt
SO bad when I laid down to sleep.
AnswerRobert -
Sorry to hear you are going through all that, especially when you're trying to be good at work out! While my first thought was indeed "hmmm, levator scapulae" I don't think it quite covers the range of pains you are experiencing, though its certainly worth a look. If your workout is hurting you, the best advice is to ease back, but you need to address what is causing the problem of course. Have you seen a chiropractor to rule out or confirm a nerve pinch? Tried a massage (especially something specific and therapeutic like NeuroMuscular Therapy)? Even pre-work out warm up and stretching can help. As I specialize in MyoFascial work I always suspect connective tissue as well, but its hard to say without an in-person assessment. Still, it sounds like some bodywork is in order here! :)
Best Wishes!
Mikey
