Things that go lump in the night

May 24, 2007 9:58 AM

I woke up yesterday morning with a pinched nerve (?) on one side. I woke up this morning with a strange lump on the other side. What's wrong with me?

Yesterday I woke with what felt like a pinched nerve in my neck -- if I bent it a certain way, I'd feel twinging pain all the way down my left arm. Ouch!

Last night my loyal SO massaged my neck and shoulder rather roughly. This morning, the twinge is a little better, though my shoulder feels bruised and sore. But here's the weird part -- on the opposite side of my back, between my neck and shoulder, suddenly there's this lump. Never felt that before. It's internal, but too small to be a muscle knot. Is it a swollen lymph node? If so, why is it swollen if all that's amiss is a pinched nerve? I feel fine, outside of the neck/back pain.

Also, what's the best sleeping position to ease a screwy neck? I've found this thread, but all the comments suggest is purchasing a memory foam pillow. Thanks in advance!

posted by changeling to health & fitness (5 comments total)

As a med student; I would go to the doc; esp w/ the radiating pain and the lump. Not to scare, but it could be anything.
posted by uncballzer at 10:37 AM on May 24, 2007

See a doctor. Save the "rather roughly" massages for when you feel fine.
posted by Carol Anne at 11:24 AM on May 24, 2007

You say it's too small to be a muscle knot, but I suffer from nerve damage, etc. that often causes pain & swelling on one side of my neck - the other side often tries to compensate for this by pulling back, and that causes a lump.
posted by LadyBonita at 11:33 AM on May 24, 2007

Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees (bent and splayed, and some support under your neck (not too much, a rolled up towel is good.

When ever you wake up, return to the original position as often as possible. As long as you're otherwise fine, your spasms and lumps should just go away on their own.

Seeing a chiropractor might be a good idea if this persists. Other things to help are having a bit of alcohol or other relaxant right before bed and doign what you can to decrease stress and conflict in your life, as what describe are the most common early symptoms of stress and conflict.

Another great technique is guided relaxation. Basicall, lie down on your back with your neck and knees supported. Tighten everything then relax all at once. Then focus on relaxing every part of you body, starting with your head and finishing at your toes. Breathe deep throught the process and enjoy the feeling of floating.
posted by valentinepig at 11:44 AM on May 24, 2007

it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out, but muscle knots come in all sizes and can crop up in weird places due to injury and/or massage moving stuff around. i wouldn't rule that out.
posted by lgyre at 3:16 PM on May 24, 2007