Baker's Arm

[Harpua]

I've had an intense job for the past month where I am constantly using my arms, especially my right one. I am mixing, scraping, lifting, always squeezing pastry bags, etc. Now, my arm falls asleep on its own when I am sleeping, and sometimes when I am awake. It's really scary. I got a deep tissue massage and that helped, but it is coming back. I try to do shoulder rolls when it wakes me up at night, and it kind of helps; does anyone have any suggestions? How can I prevent this from getting worse? It kind of feels like my funny bone is always getting bumped. So annoying.

[kuan]

It might be general tightness in your upper back that's causing some imbalance. You should go see a physical therapist. As weird as it may seem, the answer may be more exercise.

I think the basic exercises are the same though. My wife suffered a third degree shoulder separation and she did some of these exercises:

Your Orthopaedic Connection: Shoulder Surgery Exercise Guide

She started with low weights, a tuna can.

[Harpua]

Interesting. Thanks.

[kuan]

Wonder where kokopuffs went. He's a chiropractor.

[AndyG]

Advil also helps, not just as a pain killer, but an anti-inflammatory too. I know because I had the same type of problem.

[Gummy-Bear]

If the case is inflammation, then the following herbal tisanes (herbal teas) will assist with that:
Calendula
Dong Quai
Licorice
marshmallow
Meadowsheet
White Willow

[m brown]

When that happened to me couple months back I thought it was my heart!

But it was my right arm and same deal:
I would drive, it would sleep
I would sleep, it would sleep
I would type, it would sleep.

ALSO
I lost feeling in my ring finger, same arm - still not 100%.
About a month after leaving the job, fine.

I used to see a DO in NY but have not even looked for one in Dallas.

Take care of yourself!

[bluedogz]

Sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome to me. To a chiropractor with you. Time will heal it, but only if the stressor is gone.

[Harpua]

I figured that it isn't carpo tunnel because it is my whole arm. I think something in my back/neck is tweaked. I can't quit, but I just had the piping bag to my staff instead. However, what really scares me is transferring stiff frosting from huge mixer bowls to containers. I can feel my nerves popping and twinging when I do that. Looks like I'll be handing that over as well. At least I can still spread things and man the ovens!!

[Free Rider]

I had something similar and went for acupuncture. The problem was solved within minutes and, several months later, has not come back even with similar activities as before.