upper back, neck, and upper arms hurt and are weak. have been for about two years, helped w px of pm. hugs your way

I have had weakness overall for about 5 years, which became extremely bad in 2008 when I was diagnosed with PM. I never returned to full strength, but have done much better with Prednisone. However, last fall I developed a rash, followed by pain and weakness spreading into my shoulders, down my arms and back, up my neck, and into my jaw. I don't know if it was my DM overlap developing or something else.

I had to stop using my arm weights. Even though they only weigh 1 1/2 lbs. each, they become too much. You might want to ask your doctor if you should temporarily curtail your exercises. I'm starting to do better, so I should soon be able to start using the weights again. I don't know if my improvement is from the new supplement, or if it's simply coincidental.

One doctor told me that Spring and Fall are the worst times for autoimmune diseases to flare. Fall is definitely worse for me, but I've known others for whom Spring was worse. Maybe it's the time of the year. Here's hoping that you will start to do better soon.

How do we support our back? I use high back chairs and lie down for rests. I am scared of what is going to happen if it keeps getting worse

I also have upper and lower back pain. I've had disc issues my whole life in my back and neck, but my PM has escalated the pain more than ever.
I take Tramadol 100mg 2x/day for my pain.