On Monday and Tuesday, I finally launched a two-pronged attack on the neck and shoulder pain I've been suffering from since I slipped and fell on the ice in early December. I'd been holding so much tension in my shoulders and neck that it was clearly affecting my singing, and I just couldn't have that!
I had my first deep-tissue massage in years on Monday evening. My right shoulder muscles were so tense that they almost didn't have any feeling (until the next day when they were quite sore). I could tell the massage helped a lot, but my subconscious wasn't quite as convinced: I had a dream that night that I was being held prisoner and tortured.
On Tuesday evening I went back to my chiropractor in the hope that this time I could get an adjustment that wouldn't get pulled right back out by tense muscles. I think it worked! I woke up without a headache today for the first time in months.
The only little wrinkle in the whole pain-free plan came about on Monday as I was leaving work to go to the massage therapist. I was waiting for traffic to clear before I could cross the street and when the lanes opened up, I started walking forward...right into the post of a street sign. I'm sure there's a hi-larious security video of my slapstick episode somewhere.
I whacked my nose and right eyebrow pretty hard, but luckily there was no blood. The bridge of my nose is still rather sore, but there's no unusual movement or swelling, so I don't think it's broken.
So other than the nose, I'm feeling pretty darned good today. How are you doing?
I walked into our turnstile at work. It started to let me out then stopped and I took a bar to the brow/nose area. Rather embarrasing, but I'm sure it was funny for security to watch.
Posted by: Huts | March 08, 2006 at 08:28 AM
Heh heh. Us lefties and our antics. I was at a restaurant on Monday and I dropped some lettucce on the floor. Not wanting to leave it there I bent over to pick it up. As I bent over I hit my forehead on the top point of the chair next to me. I have an ugly bruise now. And it still hurts! Luckily there were no cameras.
Posted by: bitterkat | March 08, 2006 at 10:34 AM
Tonight I was lying on my back, looking up at my 11-month-old son, who was sitting on the floor. Suddenly, he laughed and pitched forward, landing his open mouth with his newly hatched teeth right on my nose.
I seriously thought it was going to bleed (but it didn't, and I've recovered).
Posted by: kevboy | March 08, 2006 at 08:46 PM
Jane,
Have a snnop about and see if you can get some ATPS therapy (not to be confused with TENS).
I've been helping McBark (who was my doctor) on this over here and have used a machine to positive effect.
www.sycamorehouse.com/stimul-8.htm
KP
Posted by: Keith | March 09, 2006 at 02:30 AM
I've walked into a street sign post before - not sure which is worse, the pain or the embarrassment.
Posted by: cagey | March 09, 2006 at 10:45 AM
Keith - My chiro is a sports medicine specialist and she's used that on me before, particularly when I've torn or otherwise injured a muscle. It works exceedingly well, even if it feels a little creepy.
Posted by: Jane | March 09, 2006 at 03:56 PM
You know I NEVER even thought of going to a chiropractor until some years back when I had terrible pain in my neck, shoulder and arm. When I finally decided to take everyone's advice and go....I was incredibly glad I did. I had a bad pinched nerve, and they worked wonders. Though you may not always feel it right away...it definitely starts to do it's magic after a couple of times. Hope you're doing well Jane.
Posted by: Joy | March 09, 2006 at 04:31 PM
Chiropractor + Massage Therapist = Dynamic Duo
I don't know what I'd do without mine...
Posted by: Goofy Girl | March 10, 2006 at 12:19 AM