Pinched nerve - agonising pain

I have a pinched nerve in my spine and, as you say, very, very painful

I had a frozen shoulder and attended physio for months. Every time I went the shoulder had worsened and eventually I couldn't hold a hairdryer, struggled to get my arm I to my sleeve, etc. Eventually I was given steroid injections by the physio and it was like a miracle - no more pain and I gradually regained full movement in my shoulder. Fast forward a couple of years and I felt the other shoulder start to stiffen up too. This time I went straight to my GP and he co firmed it was a frozen shoulder. He told me to do my physio exer ises but to do them as often as I could. He said when he had a frozen shoulder he did the exercises in the couple of minutes he had between his patient appointments. He said doing the exercises two or threetimes a day wouldn't help. SoI did the exercises diligently ( along with the exercises for OA in my right hip and left knee). The shoulder never got any worse and the pain and stiffening went away. If you have exercises do try to do them as often as you can.

DorothyL - have you had an x-ray? I was x-rayed about 20 yrs ago when I was suffering neck ache (not much pain, just real discomfort) and was found to have 2 cervical vertebrae fused causing trapped nerve. I was recommended a book by Robin McKenzie called Treat your own Neck. Have a Google. It has been my go to bible for his exercises ever since when I get a flare up. My last flare up was about 10 years ago and was a bit different and sounds very much as you describe yours - starting in my shoulder ending up excruciating. Out came my Robin McKenzie book and the exercises eventually worked. At no time was it suggested I take any other medication apart from paracetamol.

About 4 months ago I had a fall and hurt my other shoulder which has slowly been getting worse. I managed to see an physiotherapist the other day and he has given me a few targeted exercises and said it would take about 3 months. I'm also doing my neck exercises as it's recently set that off again. Fingers crossed now as I'm feeling pretty miserable with it at the moment.

Just before Xmas I was put on a 16 day reducing course of Prednisolone for a completely different dermatological problem. Starting 40mg per day for 4 days reducing by 10 mg every 4 days, which has helped, but is now being managed with a different regime as too much prednisolone can be quite damaging. However, as a side effect my shoulder problem completely disappeared, but came back after the prednisolone stopped.

I really think, as many others suggest, that exercise is the best way to go, but targeted to your needs. Also an x-ray may help with a more accurate diagnosis.

Sorry this is a bit rambling, but I hope it may help. I wish you luck in getting on top of the problem as I can feel your pain.

Thank you so much for your help- so sorry I took so long to reply, am in so much pain, am struggling to cope, and especially typing is very uncomfortable.
Yes, I had an X ray of shoulder (normal), but already knew I had fused neck vertebrae C6and C6, which were diagnosed 15 years ago - but never caused pain before so I don’t know if that’s the issue.
I am doing neck exercises given by massage/physio therapist, and having weekly treatments of trigger point massage alternated with acupuncture.
The only drugs I’m taking are CMD Núcleo Forte which is highly recommended for actually treating (rather than relieving) arthritic pain, and codeine/paracetamol when pain becomes unbearable.
It eases for a day or two every few days, then back with a vengeance. No particular trigger, I don’t know what sets it off.
Today I went to see grandchildren in a parade. I walked about 200m and have been in terrible pain since. Am in bed almost immobilised now, have taken codeine and will see if they help together with a test.
Thank you again for your help and I hope you get your problems sorted out:relieved soon.

I’ve used acupuncture, too, DorothyL, and found that and seeing an osteopath the most helpful. The acupuncturist also does a deep massage, which helps to release all the muscles. I had somehow shifted my pelvis, which of course rearranged my whole back! I hope you find some relief soon.