Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I recently noticed that the upper left part of my back goes numb every so often (happens randomly while sitting and standing) and I just so happened to bump into a photographer one night who said he had a pinched nerve in the same area because of the camera (we photograph inside night clubs and usually end up with the camera held straight up to squeeze through crowds for about 3 hours)

has anyone run into this sorta problem and know how to relieve / prevent it?

You probably should consult your family doctor, he'll probably refer you to somebody.

You'll probably be referred to a chiropractor, but you have to see your GP first.

You may want to take your camera with you, so the doctor can see the posture that's causing the issue.

You can find exercises online for treating a pinched neck nerve and strengthening your neck muscles, however it's best to get specific ones from the doctor.

Yeah, talk to your gp. An alternative to a chiropractor is someone who specialized in acupuncture and acupressure. I know a couple of folks who suffered pinched nerves in their back (though, their case sounds worse than the occasional pain you have), they felt great relief after a couple of such sessions.

I'm not a doctor but I do play one on an internet forum.

If you really think it's posture related, then the best person to see is a physiotherapist who can do strengthening with you. I don't recommend chiro or acupuncture for this because they will want you to come back regularly for treatments to make more money, but a physio can teach you the exercises you need to do.

Finally, an actual doctor. haha Thanks Taylor. =]

Less scrupulous ones, yes. My personal experience differs though. I've been to acupuncturists who tell you flat out once you no longer need to go.

Certainly YMMV for parahealth professionals, and even for physicians, but I think in Oscar's situation here the definitive treatment won't be pain management by acupuncture or chiro adjustment, but muscle strengthening and rebalancing, with some stretching and other physio-type exercises.

Some insurance plans cover registered PT therapy, but you'd need a physician referral to one, so seeing your GP would be a good idea if you have such coverage.

+1 Physiotherapists are amazing. They can do wonders if you keep up with the exercises.

thanks for your suggestions everyone. I guess we aren't fully aware of photography related injuries that could happen in the field :p

First sign of numbness in your back. Take an advil with ibuprofen as you may have a slight herniation of your disk. It will help reduce any inflammation. Then go see a doctor as soon as possible.

It happens largely due to poor posture and muscular atrophy. So, make an extra effort to sit up straight and regular exercise will help immensely in the long run.

Good luck!

FHS is a super big problem in our society. lots of scammers make plenty of money "helping" you. but you can do it yourself. I read the articles on this site a lot:
http://www.drbookspan.com/fitfix-index
all free. all the time.

sometimes the bag we carry our kit in is just not ergonomical. It may be designed to be weatherproof, protective and hold bags of gear but it may not hang in an ergonomic fashion - or it gives us little information on how best to adjust it