Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
Hey everyone,
I been having back pain for a about a month now and am starting to get concerned... I have a neurologist appointment next week so I am going to ask her about it then.
the back pain is like a crampy pain. most of the time its a dull pain like a strained muscle but sometimes it hurts so bad it takes my breath away. the pain is only in my right side in the middle of my back right below my shoulder blade. it hurts most when I sit up really straight, stand for long periods of time, or sit in a chair without a back.
my guess is it has something to do with my back compensating for core weakness maybe? Does anyone have any suggestions for things I can do to help or decrease the pain? stretches maybe? im assuming its mg related but could it possibly be something else?
I have tried stretching before bed, resting my back for multiple days, trying to work the muscles to build them up so they don't get tired, but nothing seems to help except sleep. I find myself completely hunched over because its the only position that provides any relief but I worry about giving in and slouching because I don't want my posture to get any worse than it already has from having a weak core!
any help is appreciated.
Annie
I been having back pain for a about a month now and am starting to get concerned... I have a neurologist appointment next week so I am going to ask her about it then.
the back pain is like a crampy pain. most of the time its a dull pain like a strained muscle but sometimes it hurts so bad it takes my breath away. the pain is only in my right side in the middle of my back right below my shoulder blade. it hurts most when I sit up really straight, stand for long periods of time, or sit in a chair without a back.
my guess is it has something to do with my back compensating for core weakness maybe? Does anyone have any suggestions for things I can do to help or decrease the pain? stretches maybe? im assuming its mg related but could it possibly be something else?
I have tried stretching before bed, resting my back for multiple days, trying to work the muscles to build them up so they don't get tired, but nothing seems to help except sleep. I find myself completely hunched over because its the only position that provides any relief but I worry about giving in and slouching because I don't want my posture to get any worse than it already has from having a weak core!
any help is appreciated.
Annie
I know what you are talking about here. I have very weak core muscles and I find myself hunching over all the time. I try to sit up straight but I always end up slouching because it eases the pain. Standing is an issue too. Anytime I have to stand for long periods my abs get shaky and I feel like I'm just going to crumble if I don't sit down. This is the main reason that I can't do a whole load of dishes at one time. Because I am usually slightly bent over the sink to rinse or wash the dishes it weakens my core in no time. I have been able to really work on strengthening my core but I do stretch but I keep it simple. Nothing fancy, just what we all learned in gym class. I have tried to do sit ups but half the time I can't even sit up from bed in the morning. lol. If anyone has suggestions on how to improve this, I am looking for help also. Annie, I hope your back stops hurting soon. It's good to hear from you.
Aloha,
Angie
I'm with you, ahpotts...slouching for years, always have to remind myself to sit up straight. But about 8 wks prior to my MG dx, I started having upper back (thoracic) pain. Debilitating if I twisted the wrong way.
So.......I suspect it was MG? My theory is weakening of those upper back muscles exacerbated my spinal arthritis and "numerous osteophytes" that have been noted along my spine in various xrays, CTs, and even an MRI a few years ago.
Does that seem to make any sense?
Has anyone had luck with any sort of physical therapy (e.g. exercises to strengthen certain muscles and muscle groups to relieve the pain).
I think I've mentioned this before on another thread - sorry.
I've had spinal issues since 2005 - but always manageable. Some serious pain was fixed 4 years ago by wearing special orthotic insert in left shoe. (spine had slight bend due collapsed arch in left foot). But now with MG, I'm wondering if things are just going to deteriorate - with not much I can do about it?
I've used the search tool here, but don't see much discussion on this issue?
After 4 weeks since dx, I can deal with the MG pretty well so far - but I'm not sure I can deal with the back pain if it gets worse. (* sigh *)
I'm just looking to find others with MG who've found ways to cope with joint and back pain....and I'm still not sure if they're related, or how much they're related.
How are you doing this week?
Before I was aware I had a neuromuscular disease, I thought the pain was due to a car accident, so I went to the chiropractor for several weeks. With manipulation and bio freeze, I got some relief after several treatments, but then my disease got worse and I did not return. The best relief I have had from this weak core issue was plasmapheresis, but it is not long lasting for me.
It seems that one of the thoughts is that our joints all depend on proper support so they are supported mechanically. With MG and the associated muscle weakness in various parts of the body, the joints with affected muscles can experience poor mechanical support resulting in joint pain.
The bottom line is that our joints require the muscles to support them and when that strength in compromised pain can very well be the result.
Joe