pinched nerves!

[Scaredbrokengirl]

Hey all!
I have not taken any narcotics since April 30th but, since August 3 have been in considerable amount of pain with 2 pinched nerves (specifically C-5, 6 and 7).  My left shoulder and all the way down my arm and to the tips of my fingers "speak loudly to me"!!  I have had a MRI and waiting to see the neurosurgeon Sept. 30!  Sept 30 feels so long away when you are hurting!  I have had 4 sessions of accuptuncture, a deep massage, 2 adjustments from my chiropractor and religiously take 3 Advil and 2 extra strength Tylenol at the same time to keep the discomfort under control.  It doesn't take the pain away...but, with Bengay, kind of cloaks it!
2 questions that I would be so grateful for any advice:

*Has anyone experienced this?  Is there anything else I can do to get me through until surgery?  
*Is there anything over the counter that I can take that would be better than the 3 advil/2 extra strength Tylenol?  

Of course, I am terrified about taking pain meds....the orthopedic offered to give me some pain med to get me through to see the surgeon and I told him no thank you.  That the advil/Tylenol were okay.  I may just take advil/Tylenol if I have to have surgery.  I am hurting, am scared, and would appreciate any advice!  thank you so much!  You all are so wonderful!

[BetterGetBetter]

Ice! Ice! Ice!

For my own C7 nightmare, the VERY BEST non-narcotic thing I can do is ice!

But, you have to use it right! Make SURE to follow the directions of your doctor, you don't want to give yourself frostbite.

I use those blue ice packs, I bought 4 of them so I always "have a cold one" on hand at all times. I leave it on the spot right where my neck meets my shoulder (right on C7) for just about 10 minutes. Sometimes I put a cloth between the icepack and neck, sometimes just straight (because the ice pack is already a "clothy" material. Not past 10 minutes, though. For you, it maybe less, watch for frostbite.

Your pain will vanish. Lay there really still, listen to music or whatnot, don't move a muscle, don't even move a fingertip. Your body heals in absolute stillness. (But, again, make sure not to fall asleep, you'll get frostbite after 10 minutes!).

Then, put the ice back in the freezer, and then watch the clock. 2 hours later, repeat the process, do this the ENTIRE day.

After a few days, post back how well it worked.

[Scaredbrokengirl]

You are an angel!!!  I will take your advice!!  I appreciate your time and advice more than you'll ever know!!  I will let you know how it goes!!  
Thank you so much!!
hugs to you!!

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

I forgot to mention, ask the doctor if they have some samples first.  My doctor has them and a lot of times is able to give me 10 patches, a tube of gel along with the scrips.  It just saves a little money.  I think the patch should be particular effective since you are experiencing nerve issues and that is what it was originally designed to do....numb the nerves.  I also forgot to mention...if you can get some good type of surgical tape that won't bother you or your skin....paper if you are real sensitive.  The patches are really sticky but if you are sleeping it is helpful to use some additional tape to make sure it doesn't bunch up :-)

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

Hi There!

There are a couple of non-opiates which are pretty effective.  Lidoderm Patches which were originally designed for people who had shingles.  It is comprised of lidocaine, the same medication dentists use to numb the mouth.  It is out in generic so relatively inexpensive.  The second thing is Voltaren Gel...I'm not sure it is out in generic but I've got my mother using it for her RA and other issues and she loves it.  Both of these you would need a prescription for so ask your doctor.  

What I do is alternate...you can wear the patch for 12 hours...So 12 hours on and then I use the gel every 3-4 hours.  Since you, like me, probably don't want to do that all night while trying to sleep you could wear the patch at night and use the gel during the day.

Hope this helps a bit!