I am suffering from a pinched nerve in the left side of my neck,it have affected my left shoulder and arm. I was prescribed one Norco every 4-6hrs. And one 10 mg of flexaril 3 xs a day. I mostly sleep sitting up, How can I get the doctor to understand that I am hurting profusely!!! I am in excruciating pain?
Hi, thank-you for providing the brief history of you thorough neuromuscular assessment is advised followed by an MRI. As you have a pinched nerve which is leading to symptoms of cervical Radiculopathy you need a thorough neuromuscular assessment and MRI to assess the nerve root getting pinch. Also, pain has different intensity to travel to brain. So I will recommend undergoing physical therapy as by the use of TENS therapy the frequency of the pain will be altered, and the instant relief will be achieved. Also, using a hard neck collar to provide the traction to the cervical spine will help relieve the pressure from the nerve root. Using therapeutic ultrasound therapy will help reduce the nerve and muscle inflammation which in terms will reduce pain too. Also, performing proper neck muscle Strengthening exercises will help muscle stronger and make it possible to hold the cervical spine bones in alignment. In my clinical practice patients with similar issues responds well to physical therapy and reaches close to near normal functionality. RegardsJay In Chat Doctor. 