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Topic Title: Surfing related neck muscle spasms
Topic Summary: Looking for a doctor recommendation
Created On: 01/20/2018 11:46 AM
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 01/20/2018 11:46 AM
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Sector9surf

Posts: 1959
Joined Forum: 01/14/2010

When im not surfing its not an issue but soon as I do, i end up with a pulling/ cramp sensation on one side of the neck. which goes up into the face and down the shoulder,  lasts for weeks. Its uncomfortable enough that i sometimes have to take a few hours and just lay around until it goes away. I went to a physical therapist and got it xrayed so i know that its most likely strained neck/ muscle spasm but have had it for years and it happens to me every time i go surfing. Anyone else have this happen or know how to treat neck strain and spasms? 

The Xray results did diagnose muscle spasm but nothing was prescribed. I Just need to find a good doctor who can give me a good recommendation on how to treat it, and no, surfing more hasnt fixed the problem yet. Lol

 01/20/2018 03:58 PM
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AndresP

Posts: 4
Joined Forum: 01/12/2018

I dont have any experience with that kind of pain, but have you looked into a physical therapist? They might be able to show you some workouts/exercises that strengthen those muscles. I had a PT help me heal an elbow injury from baseball, but obviously that's not as sensitive as the neck area..

 01/20/2018 04:59 PM
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Sector9surf

Posts: 1959
Joined Forum: 01/14/2010

Thanks AndresP, I went to a PT and he has an electric pulse unit thats supposed to provide temporary relief.  Its a 30 min session which electrical tenses the muscles and then releases. They also use a ultrasound heat wand.Ive gone about 10x and havent noticed any difference. Im hoping i can find a chiropractor or sports medicine doctor who specializes in this.



Edited: 01/20/2018 at 05:06 PM by Sector9surf
 01/21/2018 09:01 AM
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Mattyboydesigns

Posts: 2
Joined Forum: 01/21/2018

What side of your body cramps up? Is it the same side as your dominant hand? Do you spend a lot of time with your phone in your hand or any other object? I've spent time in multiple chiro offices and been through PT a couple times and the only thing that has ever worked is stretching, massaging the muscle adhesions, strengthing the opposing muscles and streching. 

 01/21/2018 02:21 PM
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ww

Posts: 16088
Joined Forum: 08/17/2007

I had trapezius muscle spasms (that's the big sheet of muscle from shoulder to spine) due to a neck injury a few years ago.  It cleared up spontaneously after a while.

Currently, the first low back pain in years.  It was diagnosed as muscle spasm.  The first choice drug would have been ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory, but I can't use those and a substitute is working.

So seeing a physician can be useful; doesn't necessarily need to be a super specialist.  

 01/21/2018 02:55 PM
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Sector9surf

Posts: 1959
Joined Forum: 01/14/2010

Well I already did PT, I don't know if its the therapist or if I'm just going for the wrong treatment so I might try a chiropractor next. MBD is right, stretching and massage seem to be the most useful. Hopefully the chiropractor can tell me how to strengthen/ stretch out the correct muscle groups.

 01/21/2018 06:11 PM
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paddleout

Posts: 11810
Joined Forum: 07/31/2003


Take a crap ton of Advil.

Not alleve. Not Tylenol.

Advil.

About 4 or 5 200mg pills before you go to bed, and another 4 or 5 when you wake up if its still hurting.

Continue until it goes away.

In the meantime, soak in a hot bath with about 3-4 pounds of epsom salt dissolved in it. Don't chinze out of the epsom salt- put in alot.

Then ice it for awhile after the heat. Like 30 minutes, being calm, laying down.

Repeat daily.

The idea is to stop the loop of irritation/inflammation.

Before you head out for the day- apply over-the-counter ASPERCREME *WITH LIDOCAINE* to calm/numb it down to avoid further irritation. You can also apply this after the ice at night.


While doing all that, you can also get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/OasisSpa...8-6&keywords=ten+unit

Amazon has plenty to choose from. About $30 or so- going over that isnt really necessary.

The overal goal is to calm it down.
 01/22/2018 01:23 PM
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spindrift

Posts: 306
Joined Forum: 10/28/2016

Brudda: go see chiropractor Lance Armstrong in cocoa beach. Period.
A graduate of c.b. high. Ex B 52 pilot. He's the guy the air force, swat, ems and fire guys use.
As a local boy, he understands the surfers physique and our attendant back and neck miseries. He accurately and effectively diagnosed and treated me for much the same issues you have.
Seriously, look no further, call tomorrow, truly cool and competent guy

-------------------------
spindrift

 01/22/2018 04:11 PM
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Cole

Posts: 68180
Joined Forum: 07/22/2003

I had a pinched spot just above my shoulder blade that would knot into a visible ball on my skin after a long surf. It burned like a hot coal was under the skin and would seize up my neck and shoulders.

Tom Neilson said it was from the overworking of my pectoral muscle. He was right and after a few massage therapy sessions the issue went away.

-------------------------
I was right.
 01/25/2018 08:17 AM
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Sector9surf

Posts: 1959
Joined Forum: 01/14/2010

I went to a chiropractor and have found out that im crooked and not in a dishonest way. Lol. Bad joke...

So far it seems to be doing good and am amazed at how easy they are able to make all your bones crack! It was recommended 2 to 3x per week for now so will see how if it helps. I have found that I favor one side and also stand crooked as if im surfing, out of habit i guess.

Thanks for all the input!

 01/25/2018 04:53 PM
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ww

Posts: 16088
Joined Forum: 08/17/2007

Translations:  

Motrin and Advil = ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory)

Tylenol = acetaminophen (pain reliever).  

Aleve = naproxen sodium (another anti-inflammatory)

For those who can't use ibuprofen, prescription alternatives exist.  

___________________

Maybe 15 years ago, anti-inflammatory drugs were popular in low doses for heart health.  Some of those turned out to be harmful.  Ibuprofen is very effective and safe enough for over-the-counter, an amazing combination.  This handout from Cleveland Clinic seems to cover everything (including why I'm not supposed to use Ibuprofen)

Acetaminophen is a good drug, but the effective dose is kind of close to doses that can cause harm.  In Britain, it's sold only in small quantities, in blister packs.  So it seems British tourists to Orlando go home with big bottles.  

 

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