Is it a flare ?

[Liz018]

I have had painful shoulder pain on and off for months . This radiates to my neck usually it goes after a rest heat pad and naproxen . But I have had the pain for 5 days now . Going to call the helpline . Headaches come about every 4-5weeks as well time for a review?

[helixhelix]

Could be arthritic changes in your shoulder or neck rather than a flare. Especially if headaches. You need to see you medical team.

[bubblyalex]

I agree with helix do bring it up with your team. I’ve had pain off and on there for years but not headaches. It’s a combo or arthritic and strain... because of the crutches for me. I’ve always had issues in my arms/shoulders which they diagnosed as RSI almost 30 years ago. Doc now thinks it was always RA.

[KittyJ]

That sounds very much like the pains I got early on when there were changes in my neck. As others have said I’d speak to your GP or rheumy team to get it checked out.

[Hidden]

One of my flares which went on for a few months affected my left shoulder and arm. I was on leflunamide at the time. I kept being told it was from damage already done. Funny how it disappeared when I started biologics!

[springcross]

I'd had intermittent shoulder pain for about a year (and it was limiting my movement, this also affected the side of my neck) before it was X-rayed, it was chronic shoulder impingement. The rheumy physio told me to push my elbows around my back gently level with the shoulder blades, hold for a couple of seconds and slowly lower my elbows and relax. I was told to do it five times on the trot several times a day, it worked. It still comes back every now and then but I just do the exercises again and it really does help. He gave me a theraband first of all to hook round a closed door knob or a wall hook and do these certain exercises but that made it much worse.

[Angels-delight]

Sorry I am unable to advise you as I am not able to take naproxen due to other meds I take. It is always best to discuss your meds with your doctor or Rheumatologist

[Brychni]

I have this too. On and off. And like you I have no idea if its related or something else. When I do reach for the naproxen I often get a hideous burning in my upper spine (feels like it could be the back of my stomach) which radiates into my ribcage. It all adds up to my suspicions that I will be better off without the meds.

I'm currently taking

Lansoprazole to prevent side effects of naproxen

500mg naproxen for migraine prevention and occasional pain from inflammatory arthritis

hydroxychloroquine 1 tablet

400mg riboflavin a day (4 tablets) for migraine prevention

Senokot for constipation caused by naproxen and lansoprazole

During the night I often take a swig of high strength Gaviscon to help with nausea and gurgling caused by Inflammatory arthritis, presumably.

I don't think I'm absorbing nutrients from food because of all the gastro drugs and it's not a huge amount but I'm losing weight. I'm 111 lbs 7 stone 12/13 on a downward trajectory.