Brachial Plexus injury

About a year ago, while lifting a heavy object with my right arm extended and palm down, I apparently stretched my brachial plexus nerve. (The family doctor said that was the most likely conclusion, and a neck x-ray showed no problems.) The associated pain was mainly in my forearm, and back of my right shoulder and neck.
   After about six months, the pain largely disappeared on it's own.
   Recently, while making a throwing motion with my right arm, I felt a "twinge", for lack of a better word, in my right shoulder and a shortly thereafter the same kind of pain was back, though not as bad as last year.
   A few weeks went by, and the pain diminished about 50% or so.
   Then, while driving, I turned my head to the right and got a sharp pain to the right of my spine just below my neck -- and the pain was back strongly yet again.
   My questions are general in nature:
   Are nerves, once injured ("stretched", in this case) more susceptible to injury?
   How long should a mildly injured nerve (if that's what this is) take to heal completely?
   Is there anything I might do to speed recovery, or prevent such injuries in the future?

   Thanks for any insight,

   Jim

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Jim:

Sorry to hear about your problem.  Yes, this might a brachial plexus injury.  Usually one would expect that once it is healed, the area would not be so sensitive to injury as you describe.  It might be that you might have a cervical problem that is causing you symptoms.  I would revisit you neurologist and have a good examination and maybe an MRI of your c-spine to rule out anything else going on.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD