Suggestions for Easing Shoulder Pain & Numbness from Infant Carrier

I have a problem with a recurring pinched nerve in the same place but my left shoulder, from probably the same cause, and I know it's awful. I also thought it might be carpal tunnel syndrome. I do think you should see a physical therapist. 6 weeks of therapy and traction helped me. My PT gave me some stretches to do at home (look down slowly, look up slowly, look left slowly, look right slowly, head sideways to shoulder slowly...repeat five times) and then here's the real kicker: I wasn't allowed to even pick up a toy for 6 weeks...no grocery bags, not pick up my daughter (who thankfully was 3 so I could have her walk but it was hard)
Now when I feel those familiar twinges I ease up on lifting and lay on a heating pad when I can.
Good luck

I kinda have the same thing, it seems to be in my shoulder and sometimes it goes into my neck. I think that it is from carring my son around on one side more then the other. I have thought about seeing a doctor about it, but I guess I have never gotten to it, and I also don't think that it bothers me to much. But if you pain is keeping you from doing your work, and caring for your boys then it might be a good thing to go see a doctor who will tell you what to do next. I hope that it feels better soon..

I am a Chiropractor and would definitely recommend going to see a chiropractor. We deal with carpel tunnel like symptoms all of the time. It is very common for women to experience your symptoms due to carrying their baby, feeding their baby, and using a baby carrier. If you would like I could recommend someone in your area.

Dr. K. Kearney, DC

Hi S.,

I would suggest you see a physical therapist. I don't know what kind of doc specialist to recommend, but my son sees a PT for his torticollis (his doc is a plastic surgeon and I've never understood why) and I know that a physical therapist could help you and provide a bunch of stretches for you to do at home.

I personally have not experienced this, but my mom got a frozen shoulder for 14 months after falling on ice, so I know how debilitating a shoulder injury could be. You can probably self-treat for the most part, with a few visits here and there with a PT until it's healed.

Good luck!

I recommend visiting with a chiropractor. Many of them offer your first visit free and that includes x-rays and full exam. I started going back in the spring because of pain and stiffness in my neck, not from a one time incident, but from stress and fatigue over time has really turned me into a bunch of knots!
My chiropractor uses massage and works out the knots in addition to the adjustments. The visits are quick 10 minutes or less and I usually bring my two little boys in with me.
Check the coverage on your insurance to see what your benefits are. Each visit only costs me about $6-8 and I could even get an hour massage from a massage therapist on staff for under $10 if I had the time. I find it all worth it. I take a lot less pain relievers since I started my visits. I am doing less visits as time goes by, but still look forward to the visits for the release it gives.
If you are on anywhere near Woodbury, my chiropractor is Lifeline Chiropractic. I see Dr. Eric Lundgren.

Good luck!
J.

This is going to sound corny if you're more into traditional doctors, but my cousin does this and has convinced me of its power. The technique is called "Strain, Counterstrain." Using the muscles and nerves, these specialists locate the source of most muscle and joint pain.

I have had two numb toes for years and an ankle that hasn't been right since I severely sprained it several years ago. After about 1 hour with my cousin working on my ankle and calves, both situations were remedied. That was more than 6 months ago and they are still in the same condition they were when he finished.

So, I know it still sounds a bit weird and yuo may be skeptical, but it is truly awesome! I know there is a man in Burnsville who specializes in this. He uses most insurance companies and it is typically covered under physical therapy. At the moment all I know is that his name is Mike, but I can gather his office info and his phone number for you if you're interested, just send me an email and I'll get it for you.

Good luck!

My wife is a member of mamasource and wanted me to email you. I'm a chiropractor in Hudson, WI and I've seen chiropractic have great results for the problems that you've mentioned. It's also a natural approach so there is no issue for the mother is breast feeding.

If you're relatively close to Hudson, I'd love to help you but I also know many good chiropractors around the Twin Cities that I could set you up with.

Any questions, email me at ____@____.com

T. Beauchamp, D.C.

Get a great Massage!
There is a fabulous massage therapist in Elk River that can take care of that for ya!
Flo Kahlstorf - at Northwest Medical Massage
Please look it up and call her.
I know your pain.

Can you put him in like a Baby Bjorn instead? They are lighter than car seat carriers and then his weight is spread out on your body. But sounds like you need a massage or a chiro. Or when your kids have their next appointment, you could try asking their doctor. He should at least be able to suggest what sort of person to see.

Hi S.,
I have twins who are now 7 years old. When they were toddlers I began getting numbness in my hand from the carriers I used for them. It got so bad that I would wake up at night and my hand would be in terrible pain. I had to sleep with my hand hanging off the bed so it was below my body. I am not sure why this worked but it helped ease the pain from the numbness. I could not push the stroller or ride my bike without my right hand going numb. Forget about trying to write anything longer than a paragraph.
I asked my mom about it and she said I probably had a pinched nerve and she told me a couple simple stretches her doctor gave her when she had the same.
Since the stretches were so simple and Since I am very active, do yoga, and stretch a lot in general I did not think they would be very effective but I thought I have nothing to loose I will try them. Well the relief was instant and just got better the more i did them.
first just start by stand straight (or sit straight) and pull your head to each side of your body and front and back
next stretch your head towards your body as if you are trying to touch your chin to your left armpit and then to the right.
That is basically it.
Occassionally i still get numbness in my hand and I do the stretches and it goes away again.
Good Luck

Go see a Chiropractor. You should not mess with stuff like that. I Like my chiropractor because when I go, or take my children, I feel like something happens. Of course, not all chiropractors are good, so be wary. I use Hopkins Health and Wellness where they now use computer diagnostic equipment to pinpoint exactly where the problem is. They also now have a room for kids to sit and watch movies while you are sitting in the massage chairs. (They just upgraded after a fire, so that's why it's all "new")

Get it looked at.

S.,
I would highly reccomend Pro Physical Therapy, P.A. Ostiopedic Manual therapy in Burnsville. The persons name is Mike Fricke ###-###-#### 13789 Frontier Ct. He practices Strain Counerstrain. He will work wonders. I had a hip that didn't have much movement and a knee that was so painful I couldn't sleep. I had tried many thing then found Mike. WOW I am virtually pain free and my hip is moving properly most of the pain in my knee is gone. I had to stop therapy because school started and I don't have time to go see him. But when school is out I will be back so he can fix my other complaints. By the way as he was working on me for the thnigs I told him about he asked when I had fallen on my tail bone. I hadn't mentioned that. Any way he fixed that too. Give him a try you will be amazed!!!

I recommend you see your doctor to get a referral to Physical Therapy. My experience is that you need to treat this kind of thing as soon as possible, with someone who knows what they are doing.