1. < Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

Stroke Recovery

Posted by kybamerica01 @kybamerica01, Aug 1, 2022

I had a brainstem stroke around two years ago. It has affected my right side and I haven't been able to swallow since. Right now I have tightness around my right rib cage that feels like something is squeezing me tightly and won't let go. I stretch out daily and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to relieve this problem. I have surgery coming up on my cervical spine to relieve nerve compression later this month and hoping this helps with my side, shoulder and neck stiffness.
Thanks for your help
Steve

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases Support Group.

Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Aug 1, 2022

@kybamerica01 You've had a rough go that past few years and I want to wish you all the best as you head into surgery soon.

I'm assuming you've worked with a physical therapist and the stretching exercises came from PT? Can you ask your PT about using a foam roller? I've used a foam roller on my upper and lower back and my hips. The foam roller acts as a deep massage and can boost your circulation which in turn lowers inflammation in the area where it's used. When your muscles are tight as I suspect they are in right chest area the foam roller may not be comfortable at first. Before you do this, I'd like to say again that you should check with your PT or doctor first.

Also, have you worked with a massage therapist who specializes in stroke rehab?

REPLY
1 reply
kybamerica01 | @kybamerica01 | Aug 2, 2022
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@kybamerica01 You've had a rough go that past few years and I want to wish you..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@kybamerica01 You've had a rough go that past few years and I want to wish you all the best as you head into surgery soon.

I'm assuming you've worked with a physical therapist and the stretching exercises came from PT? Can you ask your PT about using a foam roller? I've used a foam roller on my upper and lower back and my hips. The foam roller acts as a deep massage and can boost your circulation which in turn lowers inflammation in the area where it's used. When your muscles are tight as I suspect they are in right chest area the foam roller may not be comfortable at first. Before you do this, I'd like to say again that you should check with your PT or doctor first.

Also, have you worked with a massage therapist who specializes in stroke rehab?

Jump to this post

I have worked with a massage therapist and it does help but in a temporary way. The pain just keeps coming back. My spine orthopedic says it might be my root nerves in my cervical spine, which is evident in my MRI. My spinal cord is definitely being compressed in this area and hopefully decompression and spinal fusion will help with the pain. Also have pain in neck, trapezoid and shoulder.
Thanks for your suggestions.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Aug 2, 2022
In reply to @kybamerica01 "I have worked with a massage therapist and it does help but in a temporary way...." + (show)
@kybamerica01

I have worked with a massage therapist and it does help but in a temporary way. The pain just keeps coming back. My spine orthopedic says it might be my root nerves in my cervical spine, which is evident in my MRI. My spinal cord is definitely being compressed in this area and hopefully decompression and spinal fusion will help with the pain. Also have pain in neck, trapezoid and shoulder.
Thanks for your suggestions.

Jump to this post

@kybamerica01 Thank you for letting me know what you've tried and what has helped, at least temporarily. Ongoing pain as you've described must affects your quality of life and is likely causes a lot of fatigue. It takes so much of your energy to deal with the pain. How do you cope with the chronic pain? When is the surgery scheduled?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.