Guest guest Posted July 21, 2002 Report Share Posted July 21, 2002 I have read with interest JBF's comments under the subject " brain autopsy result " about regaining the capability of limbs affected by degenerative neurological disorders. I have SCA, possibly sporadic OPCA. My main problem is ataxia characterized by walking difficulties and slowness of movement. Recently I have developed a " weak " left arm. I am sure it is SCA related rather than injury related. It has been tentatively diagnosed as a low-grade infraspinatious tendonitis. My medical advisers disagree as to whether I should continue to do exercises that make the arm hurt rather severely. I would be grateful for any advice on this subject. Fred Seeker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2002 Report Share Posted July 22, 2002 Greetings Fred ! Yes, I firmly think " Use it or Lose it " is very accurate. But not at the cost of extreme pain. Might I suggest you consider: 1. Ask to see a physical therapist to help with posture and exercises to improve posture (as well as strengthening exercises). Poor posture often leads to pains in other parts of the body. 2. If your insurance covers it, consider seeing a chiropractor for a very short term basis. They can help with the spinal alignment (and improving the pain as a result). But keep it short, as the often like LONG term contracts. Also, PLEASE do not listen to them if they decide that their services will cure you. You can NOT replace neurons by aligning the spine. Just won't work. You replace neurons by constantly practicing. 3. Also consider a referral to a pain specialist. There you might look into some biofeedback or even hypnosis to help manage the pain. If something else physical is the underlying problem, do not use anything to dull the pain. Remember, pain normally indicates some other fundamental problem. With degenerative neurological disorders this is not always the case. Just some thoughts. Regards, =jbf= B. Fisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2002 Report Share Posted July 23, 2002 Greetings JBF! Thanks for your message which, as always, looks like sound advice. Actually I had already seen a neuro-physiotherapist about my arm, but I think I will get a second opinion from another P.T. Otherwise I may have to see a specialist as suggested by you. If anybody else has the same problem of decreased mobility of an arm, accompanied by pain when excercising or making certain movements, I should be pleased to hear from you, especially if you have suggestions on how to slow down or halt the decline. Regards, Fred Seeker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2002 Report Share Posted July 23, 2002 Fred, That is called dystonia. Anti-spasm meds may help. When they no longer work Botox shots may help relax the muscles, then physical therapy can help keep them loose. Take care, Bill Werre ============================== > > Greetings JBF! > > Thanks for your message which, as always, looks like sound advice. > > Actually I had already seen a neuro-physiotherapist about my arm, but I > think I will get a second opinion from another > P.T. > > Otherwise I may have to see a specialist as suggested by you. > > If anybody else has the same problem of decreased mobility of an arm, > accompanied by pain when excercising or making certain movements, I should > be pleased to hear from you, especially if you have suggestions on how to > slow down or halt the decline. > > Regards, > > Fred Seeker > > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.