Shoulder pain and excruciatingly painful neck and trigger points - Fibromyalgia Message Board

seaturtle · 06-29-2008, 05:58 PM

I can't raise my arms very high because the shoulder joints hurt so much. Also have very bad leg cramps at night, and I can't even lie on my back in bed. My arms hurt, my head hurts.

The physical therapist I've started to see doesn't seem to know what to do. She just says "You're in a flare."

Any suggestions as to what I might do? I do take the gurafenisin, which helps some, and magnesium maleate, acidopholus, but from time to time, it really get bad. Reduces me to tears sometimes.

I have Vicodin and Flexeril, but I am really resistant to taking meds. I've been doing the stretching exercises the PT gave me, but I'm getting worn out from the pain.

Sigh, maybe I just have to go through it?

Best to all, and thanks for listening. I hope all goes well for everyone here.

Seaturtle

bevann26 · 06-30-2008, 07:23 AM

i feel so bad for you and know where you are coming from with the shoulders and arms. i have fibro there and also have degenerative joint disease...so there is'nt much bone left in my shoulders.
i find temporary use with a tens unit, also a heat wrap i microwave that covers the neck and shoulders.
hope this helps some...please feel better soon, but there really is no pain free days....take care, bevann

Jane23 · 06-30-2008, 12:40 PM

I also have problems with my arms and shoulder/neck area to the point that there are days it hurts even to lift a remote control ... so I feel your pain. I've found that (if you can stand it) massage therapy helps me quite a lot. I don't recommend going when you're having a bad flare, but you might give it a shot and see if it helps.

Hope you feel better. =)

sherryrenee0423 · 06-30-2008, 12:44 PM

If you are hurting that badly, then you should consider taking your pain medication. I have read that it can be harder on your body to be in constant pain than to take pain medication. Just think about the stress your body is under right now. Flexiril helps my back tremendously. Try taking only half of a pain pill, put some soothing music on, and sit in a hot bath. This will help quiet your body and your mind. I'm so sorry you are hurting so badly.

seaturtle · 07-01-2008, 10:03 PM

Thanks, everyone,

My doctor won't give me pain meds, says they're just a "quick fix." ( I could use a quick fix, though!).

I went to PT, and they hardly wll touch me because they can't even touch me all over my back and shoulders and neck beause of trigger points. I can't even lie on my back; the trigger points are too painful.

Any suggestions besides Norplex and the like to stop the muscle spasms? I can actually see the muscles moving and knotting up under my skin .

Thanks for all the responses. I guess I have to wait until this one is over.
Hope everything goes well for everyone here,

Seaturtle