Aching Shoulder Muscles

[Lizbv]

Is it commom to have aching/burning shoulder muscles under the shoulder blades? The pain is literally unbearable at times. Feels like a nail in my back. Is there a common remedy/ help for this? I live alone and do not have massage therapists! haha.

I'm c5/6
Help-
Thx http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Shaun]

I had what your describing several times.A good massage worked for awhile but i found that one trip for acupunture and i've never had it again.But thats me,yours could be differrent..
........\/PEACE
~Shaun~

[SCI-Nurse]

This may be a muscle trigger point pain, esp. if you have been unusually active lately or doing some new exercises. A good OT or PT who has a lot of knowledge of trigger point massage can help you learn how to do this yourself with a special "back scratcher" type device. Ask your SCI physician to a referral to a PT or OT who does this. Most regular massage therapists are not familiar with the necessary techniques. Acupuncture may also be an option, esp. if covered by your insurance. (KLD)

[Ulsio]

I also have great shoulder pain, I have since since my neck was broken. In the beginning I was taking mild narcotics, then I was using a TENS unit. Now I tolerate it and take aspirin occasionally to knock the edge off. I am a c5.

A massage would help a whole bunch, when I was in rehab my OT would work on it once in awhile.

Barry

Fish#3 - Hey, look. Howard's being eaten

[Lizbv]

Thank you for replying. Some days are so much worse than others. Today, it seems better. What is a TENS unit? I have only "heard" of them.

Thanks sci-nurse also.

Oh, doesn't acu-puncture hurt? http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Shaun]

Doesnt hurt a bit,i go every couple months and feel great no more shoulders pains or tightness of any kind.Give it a try,im c5/6 to btw..
.........\/PEACE
~Shaun~

[Ulsio]

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) A TENS device sends tiny electrical impulses through the skin to small nerves. These tiny impulses help trigger a different message than the original pain messsage being sent to the brain, eliminating the feeling of pain.

They come in all kinds & shapes. It took a lot of adjusting on the one I used to get the right pulse to get the pain reduced. It did work good though.

Barry

Fish#3 - Hey, look. Howard's being eaten