Not sure where to go from here.

[BigD92]

I've been having some serious pain in my left shoulder, arm and elbow over the past six months. I haven't been able to train chest or shoulders at all, and basically anything upper body is kind of limited. I've been to doctors, had x-rays, and nobody has really told me what is wrong or how to fix it. Only thing I can figure is maybe I have some sort of nerve problem with my neck. The reason I say that is because I went to a chiropractor who said I had a really bad neck for my age, and said I had degenerative disc disease and told me that he highly recommends that I get it taken care of or I will more than likely need neck surgery later in life. He popped my neck, and the day after I did a chest workout with little to no pain, but it soon came back like I feared. For him to fix it I'd have to avoid any real weight training for a while, and see him 3 or more times a week. I have no problem with that other than the fact that I literally can't afford it and I have no insurance.

I don't know what to do, I'm sick of not being able to train the way I want. I know it might sound silly but it's very important to me, it's what I like to do. I could understand if I was 55 or something, but I'm 20. Some days I go to the gym excited and ready to workout, then I get there and the pain hits me. I get frustrated, angry and just leave without finishing. Anyone ever dealt with anything like this or have any advice?

[oropher101]

Really sorry to hear about your situation OP. As frustrating as it is I wouldn't do anything that would cause pain in that area including a workout until it's been sorted. The good news is you are only 20 so have plenty of lifting years ahead once your healed.

This ^. I would take some time for some healing before i started doing any sort of lifting. its much better to heal up then to push now and be messed up the rest of your life. I have seen quite a few stories floating around here of people who have come back from incredibally severe injuries and are going strong now, because they took the time to heal. best advice i can give you.

[TiffGarrett]

I'm sorry you're experiencing this pain. I can totally hear the frustration in your tone... I know how difficult it can be to not be able to do something you absolutely love to do. I experience something similar when I'm sick and can't make it to the gym. It's like a part of me is missing. It’s a way of life, you know? I want to get out there and do what I love. It's a little different for you b/c you're in a state of uncertainty. You really don't know what's wrong or if it'll get better... Have you been to see a neurologist? Since you’re thinking it may be some type of nerve damage, perhaps you should see a specialist. I'm not a doctor and I can't speculate on your condition but I'm confident you'll be back up and running full throttle soon. :-)

[James199117]

stick with the chiropractor man, just lift light with really really good form and dont overdo anything. unfortunate though!