I seem to always be leaning to one side. Does anyone else have this problem? If so what helps?

[maryalice]

[grayland]

I think I do the same. Part of the balance issue I think.

[maryalice in reply to grayland]

Thanks !

[cabbagecottage]

My husband starting with a right side lean , now his left side is the same . I spend all day readjusting him .

[maryalice in reply to cabbagecottage]

Thanks for answering my question.

[davoice]

Here is what works for me. We all know that Parkinson's disease (PD) seems to affect one side of the body more so than the other. For me, it's the left side. My arm doesn't swing, I tend to slouch (lean?) to that side, and I don't pick up my left leg as high as my right. It's easy to see how all this could make you feel like you are leaning.

The solution for me has been awareness. Since my brain used to handle this stuff automatically, I never had to think about it. PD changed all that. Now, before I exercise or even walk to another room, I tell myself to be aware of how I am walking. It’s not a 100% improvement, but it is noticeably better (and I haven’t tripped as much on the carpet). Over time, and as this awareness has become a habit, maintaining a good posture, etc. has become automatic. It works for me. I hope it helps you.

[maryalice in reply to davoice]

Thanks for the good advice!

[PatV]

Yes, my PD's on the left so I lean to the right, physically, not ideologically

[maryalice in reply to PatV]

Thanks!

[Cerelia]

Yes I tend to lean to the right, and agree with davoice that awareness is the way to deal with it. We have to consciously think about every movement, and in time it becomes a habit. I also find that I begin to bend forward towards the end of the day, but when I am aware I can stand up straight.

[maryalice in reply to Cerelia]

Thanks! I'm going to try to be more aware of my movements.

[srarndt]

I used to have issues with this, but now I avoid standing or hiking around steep hills or mountains.

[maryalice in reply to srarndt]

Thanks!

[soup]

Do you see a physiotherapist? So many physio exercises will help but it's best to find out which ones are right for you.

[maryalice in reply to soup]

I was in physical therapy, but I stopped. Maybe I should start therapy again.

[soup in reply to maryalice]

I'm afraid that physio is for life now, as Parkinson's is for life. It, and drugs are our major weapons in the fight against its effects and progression.

The exercsies can improve things so much it is hard to believe, but like everything you get out what you put in. If you get a good physio they should be able to give you a set of movements which can be completed most days and help with posture, balance and mobility.

What have you got to lose?

Good luck.

[maryalice in reply to soup]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm going to start tomorrow!

[Jerebet]

I lean to the right. My right bra strap slips often and the neck of my shits hang unevenly.

[maryalice in reply to Jerebet]

Thanks! I noticed that mt clothes don't fit me right too. I was thinking about going to a chiropractor.

[Court]

My husband always walks to the left of me as he says I tend to walk to the right. I am not aware of this, but have tried to correct it. Sure it must be to do with balance.

[maryalice in reply to Court]

Thanks for your reply.

[cabbagecottage]

My husband at first was leaning to the right with droopy shoulder . now it has gone to the left side . Hopefully it will even itself out one day lol.

For years before he was diagnosed he would fall over and llean against me if we sat next to one another on a settee . I was always telling him of /pushing him away from me ..

.

[maryalice in reply to cabbagecottage]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question,

[cabbagecottage in reply to maryalice]

I think when the others say how important and helpful exercise is they are quite right .Of this depends on what stage you are with this illness.

#I use to encourage my husband . He might say NAG .. As we walked along I would step out and sing The grand old duke of York and if in the house would start to march around going into corners and turning ,

Unfortunately he isnt as well now or have the energy to do as much , but I still encourage him to do some exercises while sitting ...I have even given him a tib of paint to hold on opposite side to the leaning

Oh go on then I am a bit of a NAG lol

[Auntiekath]

Yes I walk leaning to the right for about 18months now. I don`t seem to have the strength or energy to walk upright. But I find it very tiring walking far. I am into my 11th year of having Parkinsons for the first 9 yrs it was well controlled but for the last two years it has been more and more difficult for me. I will have to try and exercise more in response to some of your other answers.

[maryalice in reply to Auntiekath]

Thank you for your input. I've had PD for about 13 years. I'm going to try to exercise more too.

[merlethegirl]

Stretch, exercise and walk. Keep those core muscle toned!

[maryalice in reply to merlethegirl]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[konzertmeister]

Get an x-ray of your back to determine if this is a bone problem or a muscle problem. If your back is bent as is the case in many with Parkinson's, there is no treatment. Manipulative therapy and all the forcing you want to do to stand up straight will not help if your back is bent. If it is a muscle problem, then therapy may help. Five years ago I noticed a tendency like there was a magnet pulling me to the right all the time. Over time it gradually got worse until everyone could see I was not standing up straight. I had an x-ray and I have a 63 degree bend in my back to the right. There is no therapy there is no cure for that. Botox injections is an alternative if you are in pain. I am not in pain and so I have learned to live with it. A bent back in people with Parkinson's is called camptocormia. Tell your doctor you want an x-ray. If your doctor will not do it, go to another doctor until you find one who will. Most doctors who specialize in Parkinson's, know the bent back problem and will x-ray you right away.

[maryalice in reply to konzertmeister]

Thanks for sharing. I will tell my doctor at my next appointment. I appreciate your help.