Chiropractor, osteopath, physio....?

[dave_s13]

I think I already know the answer to this one but thought it worth an ask anyway...

Symptom
Instead ache type pain in the left anterior arm pit region.
Only comes on with neck extension toward end range (looking up).
Seemed to come on after a session in the gym doing power cleans. Felt fine whilst doing it, been about a week now. No pain at all if I don't look up?

It obviously seems to be a neck issue so maybe a good chiro would advise. Already seeing the NHS physio for a knackered left shoulder but not convinced they are any good yet.

I'm getting too old for slinging weights about, not sure if Crossfit suits my "must lift a heavy weight" mentality.

[944fan]

I would be weary of Chiropractors for neck stuff. They are slightly quackish and there have been instances of them causing minor strokes. Although that is very rare.

A sports massage might be all you need or if it is a more serious injury then an osteopath is a good bet.

And knock that crossfit on the head. Its a one way street to injury

[dave_s13]

944fan said:

And knock that crossfit on the head. Its a one way street to injury

As much as I love the workouts I'm starting to feel that it's maybe a bit too hard on me, or maybe I'm too hard on myself. I'm inherently not that flexible (unfortunately) so getting the big compound movements knocked out with good form is very hard. Add on 80-90kg olympic bars and the not quite 100% mechanics are making me very prone to injury. I'm pretty fking strong like, I just can't do it with lovely form!

What else am I gonna do though, I really enjoy being beasted to within an inch of my life, and I love lifting heavy objects.

Ta re the Chiro vs Osteo tip, I'll bear it in mind.

[RobM77]

I've been to them all for my bad back (out of desperation I've tried everything over the years!), but I'd go to a good GP who can then refer you appropriately.

[LordGrover]

944fan said:

And knock that crossfit on the head. Its a one way street to injury

If you like lifting heavy things, do it. There's nothing quite like your left lung popping out and your heart exploding on heavy deads or squats. Better to do it with decent form rather than the dangerous methods employed by crossfitters though.

GP may be helpful pointing you in the right direction, but I suspect default option will be physio. Maybe a specialist sports physio would be best.

[anonymous-user]

I'm married to an Osteo and she always recomends that people find a good paractitioner, whether they be a physio, osteo or chiro. Like all professions you will find good and bad and all will have their areas of expertise. You need to see if you can get a recomendation for a pratitioner that is good with sports injuries take it from there.

[dave_s13]

Cheers guys.

I've now got a recommendation for a chiropractor that's a member at my Crossfit gym and seems very highly regarded. But, I think my symptoms are improving a bit so I'm gonna lay off the gym for a few days and see how it goes.

If this neck/arm issue doesn't resolve then I need to think again as to the best way to stay fit & strong.

[Geoff Stilwell]

Suggest you talk to Ross on here E38ross. He is running a thread in this section and is a Chiropractor and a really nice guy to boot.

[RobM77]

Do bear in mind though that Chiropractor's are not medically trained and it is an 'alternative' therapy (i.e. one without any scientific basis or evidence behind its key concepts), although the manipulation side of what they do has been proven to be of some benefit. In desparation, I've been to see virtually anyone you could think of about my back problems, and I have researched each method too, so I'm not criticising blindly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractic

Edited by RobM77 on Wednesday 11th February 08:37

[LordGrover]

Once you get yourself sorted, may I recommend yoga as a 'preventative' fix to keep yourself supple and moving?
It's been a revelation to me though I've only been doing it for six weeks. I guess pilates, tai chi, etc. all offer similar benefits.

[RobM77]

LordGrover said:

Once you get yourself sorted, may I recommend yoga as a 'preventative' fix to keep yourself supple and moving?
It's been a revelation to me though I've only been doing it for six weeks. I guess pilates, tai chi, etc. all offer similar benefits.

I've done a fair bit of both Yoga and Pilates and found benefits in both for my back. On that note (and stick with me here), by far the best thing I ever did was have facet joint injections and then a denervation on the painful area of my spine, which have not only massively reduced my pain, they've allowed me to experience the full range of movement and therefore partake in much more exercise and sport than before, which (and here's the point), like Yoga and Pilates, keeps me stronger and more pain free. Strength and flexibiity are the keys to avoiding injury, and by being able to keep myself fitter and stronger than before I've done myself the world of good. Therefore, if you do have an injuy that's going to get better, make sure you keep yourself in really good shape and it's less likely to return.

Edited by RobM77 on Wednesday 11th February 08:47

[dalecan]

I wonder if you're looking up when doing power cleans,? A lot of people make that mistake when doing power/compound lifts. You should never look up, rather rather head should be held in neutral so that the spine remains neutral. Kettle swings are a good way to train spine neutrality, as long as you get a good coach to show you how to do them properly.

I like osteopaths, but as someone said its all about getting someone that you can work with.

Good luck.