hello.

yesterday i went to pt for the first time. I just had an evaluation and a short, light massage. During the eval i was unable to lie flat with my neck without a pillow. I couldn't help it but tears ran down my face.

My injury was jan 5th. I have had tingling in my feet since then, but it was not that bad. Since yesterday the tingling has increased a lot o the point where it hurts to walk. I have to tiptoe. My neck pain is very sore. I feel like I can barely hold my head up.My PT said based on my lack of Rom and tightness in my back she was not surprised that i had some tingling. Any thoughts?


please and thank you.

PT can be tough. PT's that focus their evaluation on range of motion can initially cause pain and discomfort.

Is you PT trained in myofacial release or just generic PT techniques?

If she is generic PT, you should ask her to go slow. Being too forceful with stretching and ROM exercises, especially with the neck can be counter productive. Just like a chiro being too aggressive can too.

Did she tell you to ice when you got home? It would have been good advice.

Some very gentle traction would have been worthwhile, too.

The pain when walking leads me to believe you have some spinal impingement that needs careful treatment. Walking on tiptoes is probably a good idea until your back and neck gets rehabbed. You would be surprised to understand how much vertical force is transmitted up the spine by simple foot plants.

Is this PT affiliated with a spine clinic? There are many spine clinics with specially skilled PT's.

I am not impressed with her nonchalance about the tingling.

Hope you feel better.

My best to you.

thank you mark for your reply.

Should I be concerned with the tingling? May I ask you to please explain it? Is it because of the inflammation next to the spine? Will it resolve soon?

It feels like my feet are asleep up to my ankles.

Inflammation near the spine causes poor blood flow and poor nerve conduction. It should not be tolerated for very long. If you have touch sensitivity on your feet, the nerve is still healthy enough to not be at risk.

Have you done any icing of your neck? it would be helpful.

Mark,
My hands and feet, forearms and calves are very tingling this morning. My next pt appointment is on tuesday. Should I just rest until then and do limited activity? I really don't want to do anything that would hurt my recovery. I was walking before I started therapy and would like to start again eventually once the pain gets better. How many weeks or sessions of therapy before i can start this?

Even though my therapist is gentle, she mentioned that i should come in about 2-3 times a week. Should I just do once a week for now? But if I wait too long will the muscle spasms make my spine position worse? When she touches the vertebrae the pain is intense.

My back is so tight that the v formation of the muscles between my scapula up to my shoulders sticks out. The pain radiates up my back and neck. Plus I have my regular constant headaches.

What happened with my last injury was that I strained my neck and back to protect my head. The ER doc thought that i broke my neck because i couldn't hold it up without the collar. I was flopped to one side.

She is not affiliated with a spine clinic but she said that I am unable to start active stretching, only passive.

Thank you for your explanation, I was very worried last night and hoped it would be better this morning.

Thank you

I would do some icing of the sore and stiff areas.

Can you find a spine clinic with PT services in your area?

There is only either a chiropratic or surgery spine center (outpatient). Both do not do pt or rehab.