Paul has cervical radiculopathy (from a bulging disc) - advice?

If this is a pinched nerve caused by a bulging disk, this is a great book." Treat Your Own Back" by Robin A. Mckenzie. The simple exercises in this book will put the disc back in.

Wow, I don't think anybody in the world has ever received this much medical advice. I'm feeling extra loved.

Last night was really hard. I got new meds. It turned out the Pharmacy forgot to give me some of my meds and that would be an explanation why I was so messed up.

Last night was weird. When I got to the point that the pain was low enough that I could go to sleep, I just couldn't go to sleep. And then when it seem like I just go to sleep then the pain was too high. I'm pretty miserable this morning.

I think it's going to take a professional 3 weeks to sift through all of this advice and make a good plan. Jocelyn is doing amazing stuff to take care of me. Sharla is helping too.

At Christmas, bill crim gave me a huge gift certificate to Amazon which I have now spent on getting a much better office chair.

I go in for physical therapy tomorrow morning. Apparently it will mostly be tractions stuff. I suspect there will be lots of conversations about different kinds of exercises and stretches I can do at home.

I took a quick peek at some of the first posts in this thread and so I mention that pineapple would be good for me. Which is great because I really like pineapple. It would be better still if it said that apples are really good too, I bet I could eat five apples a day.

Thanks so much for taking so much time to express concern for me. I'm sorry I'm not currently able to understand most of the suggestions right now. I do get the impression that Jocelyn is reading every speck of it and creating strategies.

I think this speech recognition software did pretty good this time time.

I have the MRI done. And the doctor tried to explain to me what it showed. He explained that the disc had popped like a jelly donut. In fact, it looks like three of them had popped like a jelly donut. He said that the other two where did there jelly in a place where it didn't hurt me. But the third one squirted the jelly where it is causing me so much pain. I hate that third jelly donut so much. Stupid jelly doughnut in my neck.

He said that my body will probably reabsorb the jelly in time.

The good news is that I really like the idea that I am made of jelly donuts.

Am I the only one that thinks that guy does not have a cervix and so this name for this seems a bit wonky? I feel like the name says I have a ridiculous cervix. Which seems to suggest something in my groin rather than something in my back.

been dealing with the same issues sense 2011 due to head trauma and neck fusion
did the MD.route and no progress
found out about myofascial therapy and essential oils
finally weening off the med's with moderate pain [2-3,,facial numbing down to 1 from 8]

all I can say is check it out it worked for me

Mike

scratch the myofascial therapy for now,,don't want to do more damage

the oils will help with the pain management [don't want to see ya get hooked like I did]

Mike

Oh yeah, the specialist holding the MRI data said that the cause is from having an enormous head and getting old. I asked about sitting at a computer too much and anything else that might have led to it and he said nope. Just big head and age.

I do have a freaky big head.

I've been campaigning for Bernie Sanders, so I've had a lot of interaction with strangers lately. I've been amazed at how little people listen--that's why Bernie has been repeating the message for 30 years and people are slowly beginning to listen.

With that insight in mind, I am repeating my earlier post:

Gee, folks. I didn't real all the suggestions for Paul, but I'm a little shocked that so many permaculturists that believe that everything is connected didn't point out the obvious and that is Paul's weight. (I'm carrying an extra 15 pounds in my belly and have corresponding lower back pain, so I understand.) Just as the natural organic soil determines the health of the tree (not chemical fertilizers or pesticides), the same principle applies to Paul. His body is clearly not happy and he needs to change his diet.

I might add exercise.

Most of us love Paul because he talks straight, calls a spade a spade, etc. Sooo....

Hey Paul, you're too FAT!

Many of the other posts are equivalent to spraying water on aphids. Yes, it relieves the symptoms, but a citrus tree that is not stressed should be able to protect itself from aphids alone. Again, back to healthy organic soil. Backpain is just the symptom of a systemic problem.

Where is the whole permaculture systems thinking on solving this problem?

Don Eggleston

@Paul: "....I really like the idea that I am made of jelly donuts."

You and Homer Simpson.....

"It turned out the Pharmacy forgot to give me some of my meds...."

OK, I'm trying to stay with the forum protocol of being "nice", but why does this fact not surprise me?....

"I feel like the name says I have a ridiculous cervix."

From Wiki: "... cervix comes from Latin: cervix (neck) from the Proto-Indo-European root ker-, referring to a "structure that projects". Thus, the word cervix is linguistically related to the English word "horn", the Persian word for "head" (sar), the Greek word for "head" (Greek: koryphe), and the Welsh word for "deer" (Welsh: carw)."

Paul, do you have any "ridiculous deer" that have been visiting your property in recent weeks?....Maybe it was a sign of what was about to happen!... :-/

Just like 'matrix' can mean a bunch of squares in a spreadsheet or 'womb', etymology sees words go in strange directions from their origins.

Sounds like you've gotten lots of advice to sift through....It seems that if you have the time and situation to do so, noninvasive approaches will be the best. Good luck!

Dear Paul, I hope things are improving. I love your work and your positive take on this work!
I was diagnosed with CRPS/RSD four years ago--#1 on the pain scale per the national org. Yuck.

Unhappy with the idea of a life of painkillers, I found acupuncture and was legitimately cured within six weeks.
I would highly recommend you find a good LaC (Licensed Acupuncturist) and spend at least one hour a week with them.
I've seen it change so many lives around me since my journey with Acupuncture.

I noticed that many people have recommended magnesium for you. I am a fan!

But... remember that magnesium taken orally is only absorbed at about the 5% level. Sprayed topically you absorb a much higher level. It really does work 'magic' on neurological pain. Careful of sensitive tissue because it sometimes stings and remember that it really doesn't matter where you put it, it all hits the system and works on a whole body level.

Best wishes to you! Be well!

I recommend looking for a practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy. This bodywork system has a ridiculously high success rate, and does not involve added pain. It is done in person, and is not likely covered by insurance. Explanation here: http://www.ortho-bionomy.org/. I didn't watch the video, so I'll just add that in my mind OB is like permaculture: small input evoking natural healing (ok, sort of like) by following the way things naturally act. And when I first learned it, I thought I'd been given a magic wand.

I was a practitioner of this, and still try to keep my skills up for emergencies, but I'm in Minnesota. I gain nothing by making this referral except satisfaction in helping somebody get out of the clutches of the medical system.

I found these Montana listings:

Vanne
Name: Vanne Mocilac
Location: Whitehall MT 59759

Cecily
Name: Cecily Schroepfer
Location: Billings MT 59101

Aaron
Name: Aaron Zum-Mallen
Location: Columbia Falls MT 59912

Associate Members

Elizabeth Ann
Name: Elizabeth Ann Bird
Location: Bozeman MT 59715

Jenna
Name: Jenna Caplette
Location: Bozeman MT 59715

Patrice
Name: Patrice Promack
Location: MT

And if the closest person to you is just an Associate Member, don't worry. Some people just don't bother with credentials. They promise not to make it worse, by the way. As to payment? Cheaper than a doctor or a PT, and probably more effective.

If none of those is near you, there are these options:
Cranial-sacral therapy
Cranial osteopathy
Myofascial release (not myofascial therapy, that really hurts)

I can give you names of energy healers who work by phone, but something so physical really calls for a physical response.

Best of luck!

Shodo

paul wheaton wrote:Thanks so much for taking so much time to express concern for me. I'm sorry I'm not currently able to understand most of the suggestions right now. I do get the impression that Jocelyn is reading every speck of it and creating strategies.

I wish this were true, but I have not yet digested and sifted through all of the advice. You all are such lovely people and dear friends, to have written, sent PM's, text messages, and even called...and I haven't replied. It will be a while before I get back to you, I'm afraid!

My kitchen (and maybe my fingers?) are getting stained from tumeric. That's where I spent most of this morning, in the kitchen. We'd been leaning on leftovers from the chest freezer, and quick broth soups I was throwing together, though Paul needs other things, so I spent about 4 hours in the kitchen today trying to get some good fat, tumeric-golden, low carb deliciousness lined up for Paul.

It's after 2 p.m. in the afternoon here, and besides the 4 hours in the kitchen, the rest of my day so far has mostly gone to Paul care - getting another audio book downloaded, working on troubleshooting the wifi, bringing him food and drink, taking ice packs to and fro, adjusting his bed and pillows, discussing meds and treatment so far, discussing empire business, trying to find humor in weird places, etc. So that means I am just now sitting down at my computer to take care of some of my ownbusiness things.

Thank you folks. There is a lot here to take in! We'll reply as we're able.

<insert tender smile here - I don't think there's an emoticon for that!>

Perhaps try attaching a grounding wire, or sleeping on a grounded sheet.

The technology is proven to reduce pain and inflammation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llazjpj0qM8

Walking barefoot on an earth floor, or concrete floor has the same effect.

Paul, in my past I was on faculty for a Structural Integration school and i'm sure this would give you a lasting solution. The problem is that your underlying structure isn't supporting your body or encouraging good movement habits. I know from being around you that this was bound to happen eventually and I guess now is when. This is the work my husband Joseph does on horses, but for humans. There are different variations on the work (Rolfing, KMI, Hellerwork, SOMA, GSI) all based on the same organizing principles. Short term work that reorganizes your structure so weight bearing and movement become more optimal. The work is fairly permanent, too.

I just looked up folks who do this who are nearby. Let's talk.

warmly,
Jacqueline

Hi Paul,

I met you at the Toby Hemenway PC group get-together
in Fishtail, MT.

I have something you might be interested in that could really help your condition and help your body heal.

I don't usually respond to requests like on the podcast although I will respond out of respect for you and what you are doing through permaculture...helping so many people. Your work is much appreciated.

I had a major health challenge in 2014 and I found a device from Germany reducing inflammation in the body and therefore there is pain reduction too. There is nothing else out there like this. I would be willing to drive across MT and give you two free sessions...It only takes 8 minutes each. Sometimes that is all it takes to have some change....sometimes more time is required, everyone's body is different. All I know is it does work in the cases I have seen. With the amount of pain I hear you are in I am willing to do this.

I would be happy to share more about this if you are interested.

Healing Blessings to you Paul,

Mona
Paradise Permaculture Institute

Chiropractor...I get something in my neck that is painful, makes me think there is a lump in my throat, head, shoulder, neck pain and makes me consider drugs in a big way and I don't like any thing that alters my perception of reality so that is a big thing.
Chiropractor....simple adjustments that make all the difference. Brings me back from a wounded wild animal to being human.
Agravated and likely caused by leaning forward to look at computer. Raise your monitor to face level, if you still can't see it then get a bigger monitor.
Don't get roped into a surgery or any procedure until you consult an experienced chiropractor. Some of those surgery results can leave you in worse condition than before. They cannot guarantee a successful outcome.
Chiropractor!!!

So c6-c7 is a sequestration with c3-c4 and c4-c5 affected/prolapsed but not extrusion or sequestrated correct?
While age may play a factor diet and the body's ability to heal itself with proper nutrition plays a bigger role. If your eating an inflammatory diet which is different for everyone (again request you get an IGG allergens blood test) then your body wont be able to absorb it even if you are feeding it the best nutrients in the world. Leaky Gut may be at play.

paul wheaton wrote:I have the MRI done. And the doctor tried to explain to me what it showed. He explained that the disc had popped like a jelly donut. In fact, it looks like three of them had popped like a jelly donut. He said that the other two where did there jelly in a place where it didn't hurt me. But the third one squirted the jelly where it is causing me so much pain. I hate that third jelly donut so much. Stupid jelly doughnut in my neck.

He said that my body will probably reabsorb the jelly in time.

The good news is that I really like the idea that I am made of jelly donuts.

Mr Wheaton,

While I haven't had anything cervical, I've had low back pain nearly 20 years due to exceeding the limits of my youthful testosterone enhanced body in military service and excessive endurance athletics. I've seen a whole lot of conventional medicine folks and the holistics. All have helped in some way. Something I haven't seen suggested yet is a TENS unit. The one I got from the VA is very similar to this one http://www.amazon.com/Tens-Unit-Muscle-Stimulator-Rehabilitation/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1454464811&sr=1-4&keywords=tens+unit. After years of NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, narcotics, benzodiazapines and moving on to chiropractors and a fabulously effective massage therapist I have minimal pain. This is after 15 years of finding what works for me. Once you recover you'll need to find a way to strengthen your spine and core and be careful not to do the thing that triggers this pain. For me the TENS unit works wonderfully and I have few acute episodes. I also see the glorious massage therapist for tune ups. All the diet advice and hydration are helpful, but it sounds like you are still pretty acute. I would see a physical therapist and see about a TENS unit. Heal! The world needs you intact.

If Paul's muscles are painful and tight or massage is part of his therapy then I recommend using a deep tissue massage oil. The one I use is Badger brand and has some of the anti-inflammatory herbs mentioned in this thread like arnica and ginger and it is certified organic. It also has cayenne pepper which has pain relieving properties, especially with nerves. It helps me with muscle soreness from weight-lifting and tension in the neck from being at the computer too much. It also has a very calming scent which relaxes me to the point where I nearly fall asleep every time. Maybe that could help some with the sleeping issues? Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Badger-Ginger-Deep-Tissue-Massage/dp/B004HPOJNI/ref=pd_sim_194_8?ie=UTF8&dpID=413hKpxCqCL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0SGE9F5D8VXSZK0SNF52

A Teeter Hang Ups inversion table is the only thing that allows my wife to walk upright. She has degenerative disk disease and due to this inversion table she has avoided another surgery. Of course you should talk to your doctor first but this has been a miracle for Heather and makes sense using gravity oppositely to realign your spine.

Good Lord, get this man to a chiropractor!

I have another suggestion. You can dismiss it as hippy s**t if you like, I won't mind, or even know

I (and many others) believe that all illness happens for a reason, essentially created by us, consciously or subconsciously because it meets a need that we have at the time. That need could be anything, but often falls in the theme of needing a rest, or perhaps some love, care or attention, or to shift priorities, or create some time for 'other' things such as those you mentioned. If, for some reason, we are not able to meet that need in other, healthier ways, we can create a situation where we are 'forced' to meet that need.

Now, I know you lot work pretty full out over there. I'm wondering when the last time was that Paul had a break, a rest, a holiday. You know, the sort where we don't do any work for a while. I'm betting it has been a while. Seems like, despite you wanting to plough on regardless, that's not a possibility right now.

Paul, have a good honest conversation with yourself, or with Cas or someone else you trust to listen empathically, about what you might be needing right now and see if you can devise a strategy whereby those needs are met. Hopefully meeting the 'needs' will 'yield' some results that will speed your recovery.

There's been an overwhelming response to this post by lots of active members and supporters around the globe. I can't speak for anyone else, but if you needed to disperse some tasks for a while to people who might be able to do them remotely, I'd be willing to explore ways that I could temporarily help or support your goal of world domination. Alternatively, send me a ticket and I'll mop your brow and administer some TLC if that's what is needed

I genuinely feel for you, my C6-C7 is the joint that has given me a lot of grief and it's a nasty one. Sleep was almost impossible. I do hope you find suitable solutions very soon. According to my osteopath, using my computer mouse too far from my body was one major source of aggravation in my case.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and big love from London, UK x

paul wheaton wrote:Am I the only one that thinks that guy does not have a cervix and so this name for this seems a bit wonky? I feel like the name says I have a ridiculous cervix. Which seems to suggest something in my groin rather than something in my back.

It does seem weird to use the same term for opposite ends of the body.

cer·vi·cal
ˈsərvik(ə)l/
adjectiveANATOMY
1. of or relating to the narrow necklike passage forming the lower end of the uterus.
"cervical cancer"
2. of or relating to the neck.
"the fifth cervical vertebra"

paul wheaton wrote:Am I the only one that thinks that guy does not have a cervix and so this name for this seems a bit wonky? I feel like the name says I have a ridiculous cervix. Which seems to suggest something in my groin rather than something in my back.

First thing I had to learn was not to try to translate by sound association. You have to determine the base word meaning and how it is used. I think the only relationship between cervical and cervix is they are both round. Cervical is definitely the neck. It is not a ridiculous neck it is a radiating pain neck which is 'pathological' That is known to not be healthy.
This is how medical diagnosis works. You point to your neck and say doctor it hurts and the pain radiates down my arm. The doctor says that is not healthy. Then he translates this conversation into laten code words and writes down "cervical radiculopathy" so by translation what you already figured out and told the doctor becomes a diagnosis. Because of his nifty translation work he/she is now authorised by laws created for the corporate monopolies to sell you a medicine or surgery.

The most common one is "Doctor this joint hurts" Doctor writes down the first part of arthrose = joint + itus an irritation. I dont have the correct initials after my name to put those together but instead I just explain this translation trick to my clients so that they know that when a doctor makes a diagnosis he is not really doing something miraculous. Now if they really spend the hands on time to diagnose the cause that is pretty miraculous. They got half of it with the MRI. I tried to give you the cause of the cause in my previous post.

The therapist that was recommended in a previous post is probably the closest to what I do professionally so at least call her and talk about it.

My heart goes out to you big guy. I've suffered this condition for most of my adult life. It's that computer or more accurately one's posture while using a computer. Okay maybe you do have a freaky big head. How are you holding your head relative to the rest of your body while on the computer? I've seen pictures of you on a computer with your melon way out there like a masthead on a ship. That's very stressful on the neck and back.

Yeah the pain killers and muscle relaxers work ... for awhile. My advice is to find a chiropractor, massage therapist or physical therapist that is disciplined in trigger point therapy. You won't be "cured" but you will find relief.

I let my condition go untreated for too long and am now suffering the consequences. It's a long road to unwind the abuse. FWIW I'm getting good results with Dr Scott Matz Sr. in Missoula.

Hang in there buddy. There will be better days ahead.

Cervical traction at PT was a HUGE relief for Paul this morning!

We will be looking at getting a unit for home.

The PT also recommended some simple muscle strengthening to help support the head and neck with muscles, taking weight and pressure off the spine. Paul could do those without pain. Yes.

Big happy for a Wednesday.

I am happy to learn the PT was successful. The home exercises are the most important and the most difficult to maintain.

I tried an inversion table, but I had two problems with it. First, I got bad vertigo, really bad, so I am not sure that it is good for cervical damage, but I have some other damage in my thoracic spine that may be complicating things. Try one first to see if it works for you without problems. Second, the inversion table puts a lot of pressure on the feet. The newer teeter hang-ups look like they have designed it to alleviate the pressure, somewhat. My doctor recommended that I wear ski boots, so I went out and bought a cheap pair and it did help quite a bit. Anyway, I think that for heavier folks, the inversion tables might be hard on the feet and ankles. Again, try one out before you buy, though they do make pretty good drying racks or clothes hangers.

Another thing to watch for is that prolonged bed rest, especially if laying on a wedge or a pile of pillows, and made much worse with a prodigious paunch, will put a lot of strain on the lower back. Ask the PT about exercises to strengthen the lower back. My PT had me buy one of those big exercise balls that I sit on and rock the pelvis side to side (hula) for 3 minutes, then rock the pelvis forward and back (twerk) for another 2 minutes (kind of embarrassing to do at the clinic).

It seemed that whatever I went to the PT for, I always ended up doing 15 or 20 minutes doing squats on a Total Gym. It is supposed to build up the core muscles and strengthen the legs with low impact. I ended up looking in the classifieds until I found one (commercial quality, the kind you find at the PT) at a good price. I got one for about $85, then I stumbled onto another at a surplus place for $50, so now I have two (I am encouraging the rest of the family to get in shape). I bought a recumbent exercycle (again, commercial quality, for $750, but new was over $2500) a few years ago, again, because that was one of the things they rotated me through at the PT. With careful shopping and some luck, you can put together a pretty good exercise room for not too much money. The PT is great, but with a $30 co-pay each visit, I can't go for too long, so I thought it best to replicate as much as I could at home.

Again Paul sitting too much is what got you here.
http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2015/02/06/effects-prolonged-sitting.aspx

paul wheaton wrote:
At Christmas, bill crim gave me a huge gift certificate to Amazon which I have now spent on getting a much better office chair.

I think this speech recognition software did pretty good this time time.

I had sent this in an email back to Justin Rhodes as he put out the word, sorry, this may be late to the party, he replied and ask that I post. I wasn't registered with the site but I am now so I just copied and pasted. Again, may be a little late to the party.


As a chiropractor it is hard to say do this etc without health history and exam etc. so all advice are generalizations that may or may not apply and this information is educational and not to be construed as medical advice. (sorry, litigious world we live in, )


The treatments etc will vary greatly on what is causing the radiculopathy.

Most common cause is disc degeneration/herniation that bulges and presses into the nerve creating the radiculopathy.

Factors are Posture, history of trauma or injury, age, repetitive motion/posture, known degeneration/arthritis

Self treatment, I would advise increasing postural awareness, and can even use gentle home traction. They make over the door units that use bags of water and pulleys to essentially lift up on the head and take pressure off of the disc and nerve. When acute there will be a lot of inflammation so anti-inflammatories etc may be useful. MD will often prescribe prednisone or some similar steroid. Ginger, turmeric, are anti-inflammatory herbal/supplement treatments than can be used. Ice packs/cryotherapy may be helpful as well.

Generally movement is good( slow and gentle) , but only within pain-free range of motion. NO stretching. Stop with pain or change in symptoms.

Being a biased chiropractor I would say consult one as well.

If the problem is due to other conditions it can be more complicated
tumor—no home treatment, see a Dr
Stenosis-probably pain management until surgery is a more viable option.


Sorry, can’t really go into more detail with given information.

Jocelyn, your latest post mentioning that the traction helped Paul, leads me to suggest the helpful people at Egoscue.com Pete Egoscue was a Vietnam vet that out of desperation learned the musculoskeletal system that our bodies have and figured out exercises that helped give him his life back.
The Egoscue clinics have helped many even with the trama from car wrecks, so they really know what they are doing. It's not free, but you get the help you pay for that's for sure.
I personally have gotten much help from them, they can help fast working via Skype video, to set Paul up with appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises (done at home) to help reverse the slew of misalignment that is cause of his discs blowing/pinching his nerves.

There was a time I thought I would never walk again and with their help and perseverance doing menus every day for years, with God's help, I can now walk and run if needed and have been mostly pain-free for a couple years now.
The first time I actually went to one of their clinics in Austin,TX in person, in 2 hours of working with me, I was a different person with half the pain I came in with and a real hope for a nearly normal life again if I was willing to put the work in to help myself get there.

The Egoscue method aims at dealing with the causes and respects the symptoms (the pain) as just that, the symptoms. Something that often is overlooked by many doctors.

Best wishes for Paul and you as I know it's really tough. Pete Egoscue has written many books for those who are not in severe pain, and want to help themselves but can't or aren't willing to spend what is needed for personal one on one help, be it knee, shoulder, back, neck, or hip pain.

AJ

Paul,

I also recommend Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST). I have been using it since the late 90's and it is the best mode of treatment I have found for muscle and joint injuries and pain. I am 54 and I play Ultimate frisbee, which is the most strenuous sport I know of besides water polo. Needless to say, at my age, injuries could knock me out of such a sport. But my Cranio-Sacral therapist repairs my injuries, to the point that I don't feel any residual pains or twinges. It is a level of healing that exceeds all other modes that I have tried, which is a fairly comprehensive list. Without my therapist, I would have had to limp off the field permanently, years ago.

But I will warn you that some CST's are better than others. Some have the ability to scan you and visualize the exact problem. This allows them to target their treatment precisely. Others can just feel that something is wrong in an area of the body, and treat it in a more general manner. A problem like yours really requires precise treatment. CST treatment also encompasses something called somato-emotional release, which, as I understand it, allows the body to let go of the pain and injury. A good therapist can explain it to you. I just know it works. So ask around and find a good CST, see if they can offer you a proper diagnosis with just a scan of your body, and then let them repair you. ...cause I have lots of questions about rocket stoves!

Andrew Parker wrote:
Another thing to watch for is that prolonged bed rest, especially if laying on a wedge or a pile of pillows, and made much worse with a prodigious paunch, will put a lot of strain on the lower back. Ask the PT about exercises to strengthen the lower back. My PT had me buy one of those big exercise balls that I sit on and rock the pelvis side to side (hula) for 3 minutes, then rock the pelvis forward and back (twerk) for another 2 minutes (kind of embarrassing to do at the clinic).

The ball also works on the bed. Drape lags over it and rock the ball side to side, this works the entire rotational chain of the spine while it is unloaded and less apt to lock up protectively. When that is working smoothly progress to circling the ball with the heels which strengthens the reflexes for maintaining balance. Finally start walking exercise by pulling on the ball with one heel while pushing with the other so that the ball stretches. Keep the elbows engaged with the bed and head flat on the bed while doing these engages the proper walking reflexes to the neck which is very restorative.

Ask the PT if he knows the rule of FUN; If you subtract FUN from functional it is no longer functional; you are strengthening the disfunction so stop and do something else which is still fun and may eventually make the other activity possible again.

Jocelyn and Paul,
.
Great to hear Paul got some relief, sounds like maybe some of the information I am going to give you.
First background information: I grew up going to a chiropractor because my parents went, we had a
really great one, so maybe one could help. BUT I was in a car accident in Arizona in 2006 and had tingling
in both arms and into hands. Chiropractor said it was a pinched nerve in my neck, but after 35 visits the
pain was still there and I was SOL(shit out of luck).
.
I love reading, and one day I stopped into the Barnes and Noble book store and grabbed 6 or 7 books
on back pain and treatment. One of the books was 7 Steps to a Pain Free Life: How to Heal Your Own Back and Neck
I found a section of the book about arm and hand tingling, and having nothing to lose tried the exercise
shown in the book. I had had this tingling for 3 months and within 7 or 8 repetitions of the exercise at
the bookstore the tingling was gone. It comes back once in awhile but a few quick repeats of the stretch
and the tingling goes away.
Someday I'll buy that book. LOL
.
Doing a search on Youtube I had found some more followers of Robin McKenzie's methods.





Treat Your Own Neck

The best help I ever got is in this place after 20 years of pain. (I guess you know what I mean)
Advantages: You only have to be there a couple of days - no surgery, no chemistry. You get advice to help yourself in the future to stay stable and painless and: IT WORKS.
People from all over the world go there.
Just phone there or contact me via mail.

All the best to you Paul.

Gottfried

Here it is:

Klinik für BioKinematik
150526_BIOK_LOGO
Herbert-Hellmann-Allee 29-31
D-79189 Bad Krozingen (bei Freiburg) -> South of Germany

Founder:
Wolfgang Packi

info(at)biokinematik.de
Tel: 0049-(0)7633/93321-0
Fax: 0049-(0)7633/93321-99

I have nothing to add except to offer my warmest "get well soon Paul" and to wish Jocelyn strength, patience and a good night's sleep! Permies.com is a massive web of help and inspiration to me, Thank You!

Paul and Jocelyn
Wow! Pages of advice and opinions. Info overload! What to take from all this? Simply that we care and wish you pain free,happier days ahead. Trust in the care your doctor is providing and remember that these things take time to heal. Trying to rush it would be a mistake. It's going to try your patience. One day at a time.... and this too shall pass.

omg Paul, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. Will & I send our sympathies and best intention for your recovery. Know that you are supported, by many, many people for the HARD work you have been doing. We are a community and now it's time to get some energy back for the efforts you have made so far. First and foremost Take Care of Yourself. You will recover, gain information, and come out of this a stronger wiser person. Do not allow your mind to f-k with you. Get rest. None of this is going away, just taking a time out. We do permaculture, and observation tells us that in Nature, ALL beings have a rest period. Now it's your turn. What can't get done now, will get done later, tell the doubts to take a hike.

Some times you come up with your very best ideas when you're feeling your worst ,

Hoping the Missoula docs had something good to contribute.

Sending you a virtual care package with the following selection:
- a big long drink of something tasty that helps with the stress and inflammation
- a hot washcloth or hot-water-bottle for wherever it feels best
- a towel-wrapped ice pack for wherever it feels best
- a nice cushy spot of floor where you can lie and roll around to find the most comfortable position
- a couple of tasty tangerines and a young coconut
- mysterious little pills that make everything feel better for a while, and let you sleep well
- twelve clever people a-leaping to make the world a bit better or more beautiful in honor of Paul.

-Erica

Try these exercises for 10 days. It may sound hokey, but just do it and see if you don't feel better. My husband suffered from a herniated disk and the results are nothing short of amazing. Any time I spend too much time at a computer I make myself do 10 days of these exercises and BOOM, all fixed: back, neck, shoulder, knees, all of it. Try it. Really.

http://www.amazon.com/Pain-Free-Revolutionary-Stopping-Chronic/dp/0553379887/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454769996&sr=8-1&keywords=pain+free