Just remember to ICE ICE ICE!

On September 9, 2013- I started having sharp shooting pain and numbness in my neck and right arm from an unknown cause, causing me to not sleep at night, inability to lift my arm, lie on my stomach, or sleep on either side. I thought a visit to my family doctor for medication and massage therapy would help alleviate my pain. After deep therapy massage and muscle relaxers my pain still existed, however much worse as the days went. At this time I was referred to Dr. Hasty by a co-worker. Dr. Hasty interviewed me and obtained my medical history which unfortunately hindered him from seeing me immediately. After clearance from my neuro doctor, Dr. Hasty took me into his care on September 11, 2013, starting with taking x-rays and a strength test, in which I failed miserably. The strength in my right arm was significantly weaker than my left; being right handed, this was frustrating. After the initial consultation, Dr. Hasty needed to review his findings to treat me appropriately; unfortunately, heading into a long weekend, my timing was bad. During the weekend, my pain became so severe I needed to be seen by the emergency department, which they sent me home with no x-rays, or diagnostic testing, but a diagnosis of strained thoracic muscle and more pain medications and muscle relaxers. This got me through the weekend until I could officially start treatment with Dr. Hasty on Monday, September 16, 2013. With my first official visit, I was unable to drive so my husband accompanied me due to the severity of my pain. We discussed with Dr. Hasty his findings and unbeknownst to me I have a curved spinal column and had a pinched nerve between C8 and T1 causing the pain and numbness down my right arm not a thoracic muscle strain. The first week of treatment was extremely difficult due to my pain and I was unable to receive full treatment, but as the weeks went on I was able to participate in all the treatments that would benefit me to the fullest potential. After several weeks of treatment my need for pain management and muscle relaxers subsided, my range of motion improved, the numbness began to diminish, and my pain was nearly gone. Today I am able to function as I was prior to my injury, maybe even better, I can sleep on my side (all night), raise my arm, and use my right hand without difficulty. Surgery was NOT an option for me and because of Dr. Hasty’s thorough examination and professional care, I am able to use my right arm and I have absolutely no pain. Healing doesn’t happen overnight and patience is a virtue, (about 12 weeks’ worth of patience). Just remember to ICE ICE ICE!!