Hello, I'm new to this forum and really need some guidance with an injury I have. My sports are bodybuilding & swimming, I've been training for about 25 years. This is a new injury for me and I just don't know what to do?

It all started back in November, I woke up after sleeping awkwardly on my side and found that it was very difficult to extend my left arm. I had a dull throbbing pain between my deltoid and neck. The pain was quite bad and the maximum dose of ibuprofen & paracetamol with anti-inflammatories was required to manage it. After a week the pain subsided but I have been left with weakness in my left side.

My left triceps and left pectoral muscle are about 50% of the strength of the right hand side. My bench press has been reduced from a regular 160Kg to around 100Kg. Things have improved but only very slightly. My biggest concern is muscle atrophy. My left triceps and left pectoral muscle are visibly smaller, softer and wasting. I visited a chiropractor several times who suggested that I have a prolapsed disc in my neck.

I’ve started using a Tens EMS , electro stimulator unit on the triceps and pectoral to combat the wastage , but I don’t think it’s made a lot of difference. A guy in my gym had a similar experience after suffering whiplash in a car crash and lost control of his pectoral , but he regained control in about 3 months. I’m not in any pain , my problem is muscle wastage and loss of strength.

Please can anyone advise me on what I can do to improve this injury?[/QUOTE]

I'm 25 and felt a pinched nerve in lower trap about a month and a half ago. A week or two later I noticed the same loss of strength in my Pec and Tricept as the rest of you. I'm doing the doctor visits now .. nerve test right now actually. If anyone within this post has can fill me in on their healing process since this problem showed up plea[/WIKIPEDIA]se do so. I'm also unable to flex my left pec as it feels like a marshmellow after I get a pump. as you're all aware... the gym is depressing to say the least. I've been a competitive bodybuilder for 5 years now. Any follow up advice will be much appreciated