Can GAS cause a Pinched Nerve?

leknigh · August 10, 2008

Hey all - I was banded on August 5th. The first couple of days I was overwhelmed by how well I was actually doing. Sure, I had the port pain and all, but I was able to keep most of the gas pain under control by getting up and walking around the house quite often.

Over the past two days however, the gas pain/bloating has actually increased. The gas bloating really acts up when I try to eat (can't eat much because of it), and the gas pain which is stubbornly stuck in my left shoulder won't go away. Sometimes it even radiates up my neck, the back of my head, and oddly enough my left jaw/ear. It becomes even worse when I lay down on my back (can't lay on my stomach or sides yet). I almost have the sensation that a nerve is being pinched, because my entire left arm will start to go numb and it's obvious I'm not getting good circulation in my left hand because my fingers get cold (my right hand is fine). Can stuck gas cause this (a pinched nerve)? And what (if anything) can I do about it? I've tried walking, a heating pad, gas-x strips and chewables, as well as drinking the warm Jello that someone else suggested. Each of these has worked some, but the relief is only temporary.

Any suggestions? :confused2: Thanks all! :lol:

leknigh · August 10, 2008

Get to a good local chiropractor for a check up.
Heat probably will worsen the complaints.

Thanks Jack! Funny you should mention heat might make it worse, because right after I hit send on the post I happened to realize I hadnt' tried a cold pack yet. I have a cold pack sitting on it right now, and it actually has helped some!

I do agree that a follow-up with the chiropractor is called for, I just want to wait another week or two until I'm heeled from surgery some and give him the chance to do some proper adjustments.

cyndiloowho · August 10, 2008

Gas-X works for intestinal gas, not gas pumped into your abdominal cavity. There is no way that the gas in your abdomen could come into contact with the Gas-X in your stomach.

I would strongly caution you, if you are having neck pain, from going to a chiropractor. Please call your surgeon and/or have a consult with a physical therapist! Do not EVER let a chiropractor "crack your neck". People have been permanently injured from those kinds of "adjustments".

leknigh · August 10, 2008

I do agree that spinal manipulations can be VERY beneficial. I was in an auto accident last year, and I developed great pain in my back and neck (pain that still occurs from time to time now). Once the chiropractor "cracked" my neck and back I felt better before I even left his office. I had some regular office visits, but within a couple months the problem didn't really occur again. The chiro said I would probably need occasional adjustments in the future - and sure enough, I started having the neck and back pains again about a month ago, but just didn't make the time before surgery to have more adjustments done.

However, I do think what Cyndi is speaking to, is a lot of the information out there (be it true, false, or blown out of proportion) about the possible dangers of having your neck manipulated. It is certainly a very real danger in the hands of the wrong person. Though, I stand here as a person that had it done properly by a professional and felt better after. I do admit that many friends and family warned me against doing it, and I've read some of the articles against it as well. The office I went to, even has a standard form patients have to sign acknowledging the risk and relieving them of liability if damage occurs. Once or twice afterwards I even noticed I was dizzy. All of that made me nervous, and does make me re-consider having a neck adjustment (I dont' have the medical background to understand how it all works) - but I'll be first to sign up for a back/spine adjustment, the difference in how I felt was night and day.

Angelsma · August 12, 2008

All sounded normal until you said you had tingling in your arms. You should be calling your surgeon or primary care physician. It could be a pinched nerve or results of how your were positoned on the operating table but it could mean something more serious. I don't mean to be an alarmist but it is better safe than sorry.

cyndiloowho · August 13, 2008

Jack, didn't mean to offend you. I do not believe in chiropractic care. I have been to chiropractors and physical therapists. I would rather go back to physical therapists.

fivestar · August 13, 2008

I was banded on 8/7/08 and am still having problems with me left shoulder. The gas is pretty much gone. My boyfriend said that that was the first thing I complained about, after coming from OR. I also have some nice bruises on my forearms(maybe I struggled 'cause my arms weren't positioned right).

I think that maybe you weren't positioned properly on the OR table, and should seek medically advice, especially with the numbness. Good luck!

Becksie2 · August 14, 2008

Hi, It may be that you are just having gas pain. I worked as a nurse, and saw a lot of the symptoms you describe as coming simply from gas

To explain: the phrenic nerve runs from your shoulder to your abdomen. If you have gas in your abdomen it presses on the phrenic nerve and this is then transferred to your shoulder. At the point of your shoulder, the gas then presses on other nerves.

It may be that you do need to see a chiropractor, but it is also possible that the problem is simply this. The symptoms will last until the gas is dispersed, and so use the "gas TAblets" which you should have got from your doctor

Good luck and don't worry