PAIN IN NECK, SHOULDER AND ARM

In August 2004 after a summer of tennis and golf, I began to experience neck pain on the right side. Hoping that it would go away, I did nothing; however, the pain began to radiate into my shoulder and upper right arm. I was told by my primary care doctor that I probably had a “pinched nerve” or cervical impingement and was given two injections, one for pain and one an anti-inflammatory. The next morning I awoke feeling somewhat sick and groggy. When I reached for a cup, I found that I could not raise my right arm. Again, hoping that the symptom would subside, I waited over the weekend before calling the doctor again. This time an MRI was ordered and an appointment made with a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon saw nothing alarming in the MRI and hoped that 10 days of home traction (utter misery!) would help. When nothing had improved in the allotted time I was sent to a neurologist who administered a nerve conductivity test. This showed that I had significant nerve damage to the brachial plexus area (where the nerves meet in the shoulder). I was told that nerves heal slowly, sometimes taking six months to a year, and the neurosurgeon concurred that I did not need surgery but would simply have to be patient. The diagnosis was “brachial plexus neuritis”, and no one could explain what had caused the seemingly sudden onset. (At this point I was pain free, thanks to the initial injection and a “steroid pack’); however, I could hardly raise my arm enough to brush my teeth or comb my hair. I could hardly pick up a full glass and drink from it, and life as I had known it was certainly changed.

After doing nothing for a couple of months, I happened to run into a friend whose husband had been a patient of Dr. Matthew Miller. She recommended Matthew most highly and attributed her husband’s recovery (from a neck problem) entirely to his acupuncture treatments. I had always been interested in the idea of acupuncture so I decided to call Matthew. He was very encouraging, telling me that they had great success in China treating patients with nerve damage, even patients who had suffered strokes. I made my first appointment and thus began a series of treatments which have just been completed. I am thrilled to say that I am back, not only doing all my daily activities, but also playing tennis (even serving!) and golf! The procedure, which, for me, consisted of insertion of needles which were then charged with electricity, was in no way painful. In fact, the atmosphere in the office is very soothing and relaxing. Matthew is never in a rush and always pays careful attention to what the patient is saying and feeling. He is quite straightforward in explaining what acupuncture may or may not be able to do.
When I began the treatments, I had regained some function of my arm, but Matthew and his treatments have restored me to a level that I was afraid I would never again experience. If I have any more trouble in the future, I will go back immediately. I am immensely grateful!

Frances,
Lynchburg

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