Trouble with pain while walking

[chantingwpd]

I was diagnosed in 2010. I’m 66. The past few months I’ve developed significant pain in the form of muscle spasms in my low back, hips, and legs, which are mostly on my left side (side of most of my tremor in hand/arm), but which switch sides. I find myself walking stooped over and walking more slowly - it feels like my entire torso is straining.

I work out twice a week with a trainer and feel like I have decent core strength...I’ve been to my primary MD and have been seen by an osteopath. I’ve had two courses of PT, which did no good, I’ve got a heel lift in one of my shoes with a small short-lived improvement. Acupuncture gave brief relief , like for about an hour after the treatments. I’m scheduled to see a chiropractor next.

No pain when sitting or lying down. The pain and discomfort is so bothersome that I’ve taken to sitting down to chop vegetables, and find myself bending over and leaning on the sink when washing dishes. Taking a walk is out of the question. My legs feel dreadfully heavy and the pain is impressive - very sharp, grabbing muscle spasms I’ve also tried muscle relaxer and Tylenol, no relief from either

I originally didn’t think this was PD-related, but now that nothing has changed the pain I’m starting to think it’s somehow related. Probably the most disabling feature of the disease so far, for me

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I don’t have appt with Neuro until June. Taking Amantadine 100 mg AM and noon, C/L 10-100 three to four times/ day and 25/100 C/L CR at bedtime.

[GymBag]

Try Compression Tubes or Socklets , they are like compression socks but not as much compression , easy to get on. Tube goes over foot and up to almost top of calf muscle not to the knee . DO not wear at night . Use lots of skin cream under it and wear loose thick socks over it . Diabetes socks are good . Dont know why, but it works. It looks dumb but who cares.

I am also developing a hunch back and a bigger gut. Completely changed my diet to account for reduced activity and trying to increase muscle tone . You young guys need to start right away.

[beauxreflets]

For many years now I have considered that spinal injury plays a part in the onset of PD and advocated the importance of exercises towards decompressing the spine. The exercises that help me are published here sites.google.com/site/beaux...

Regular physio therapy massaging the spine (2 x 20 minute sessions per week) also assist me; as it helps relieve the compression effect brought on by Parkinson's (& the loss in ability for the back muscles to totally relax), that in my case causes a pinching upon the Sciatic nerve that results in discomfort & shooting pains in upper and lower leg.

I hope this helps.

[park_bear]

I believe this is PD motor impairment related - back hurts because musculature is unable to keep you upright in the way it used to. I have similar problems although I am able to walk. Yoga helps some. Important to optimize your PD meds as best you can.

[Enidah]

This sounds very much like what I suffered with before I was diagnosed. As soon as I started the C/L it got better and has progressively improved. Perhaps you need to be taking the 25-100 C/L during the day. That Is what I started out on six years ago, three times a day.

[GBAMIGOD]

Hi, this is PD related.

[MarionP]

My internist recommended drinking lots of quinine water. I know, nobody knows why or what the mechanism should supposedly be. (My neurologist suggested just hydrating more). Can't hurt, especially if you add a little Bombay.

[enjoysalud in reply to MarionP]

chuckle!!

[chantingwpd]

Nothing wrong with a little Bombay, for sure....

Thanks to all who responded. I'm feeling as though this most likely is PD-related. Ugh. This set of symptoms is harder than most to cope with. I've started keeping a medication diary for my next neuro appt.

[CheriinMI]

Have the same symptoms. Actually, my most bothersome. Tried 4 months of weekly massage treatments, but it was very expensive. The therapist was amazed at the amount of unrelenting rigidity in my muscles. Muscle relaxants don't do much and also make me too sleepy. I will be interested in any suggestions/ experiences others have.

[chantingwpd in reply to CheriinMI]

Thanks, CheriinMI.

Yes, I’m pretty sure it’s PD-related. Dammit!

[Icequeen10]

I am thinking you could try a magnesium supplement - 400 or 500mg,/day for several weeks.