My wife had frozen shoulder and now I am looking at the possible connection to PD
Here is some info
Research has shown that individuals with Parkinson's disease have a higher incidence of frozen shoulder compared to the general population. In fact, some studies suggest that frozen shoulder can even be an early symptom of Parkinson's disease, occurring before more commonly recognized features like tremors and rigidity.
The connection may be due to shared mechanisms between musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. For example, the rigidity and muscle stiffness associated with Parkinson's disease can contribute to the development of symptoms similar to frozen shoulder.
While there has been information that links frozen shoulder to Parkinson's
frozen shoulder may also be related to thyroid issues:
"there's a potential link between thyroid issues and frozen shoulder, although the exact relationship isn't fully understood. Research suggests that thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), may be associated with an increased risk of developing frozen shoulder.
How might thyroid issues contribute to frozen shoulder?
Inflammation:
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause inflammation in the body, and this inflammation could potentially affect the shoulder joint capsule, leading to frozen shoulder.
Cytokine production:
Cytokines are proteins that act as messengers between cells, and elevated levels of cytokines are found in both hyperthyroidism and frozen shoulder.
Autoimmune response:
Some research suggests that autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis might be linked to the development of frozen shoulder.
Muscle weakness:
Thyroid hormone plays a role in muscle function, and both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause muscle weakness, potentially affecting shoulder movement and increasing the risk of frozen shoulder.
Evidence of the link:
Studies have shown a higher prevalence of frozen shoulder in individuals with thyroid disorders.
Research suggests a possible causal relationship between hypothyroidism and frozen shoulder.
A 2014 study found that hyperthyroid patients have a higher risk of developing adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
In essence, while the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, there's evidence suggesting that thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, may be a risk factor for developing frozen shoulder.
If you're concerned about thyroid issues and frozen shoulder, consider consulting a doctor to discuss your symptoms and any potential connection between the two. "
"women over 50 are more likely to have thyroid problems, and thyroid disorders are more common in women than men.
Explanation
The risk of developing an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, increases with age.
Thyroid disorders are often diagnosed around menopause, which can occur between the ages of 45 and 55.
Symptoms of thyroid problems and menopause can overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
Women with a family history of thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases are at higher risk. "
I saw a lots of persons with PD accusing frozen shoulder in dominant part mostly. Contracture and tremor are good for explaining. It's also true that autoimmune thyroiditis is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases like arthritis especially in women .
Yes I was going to add the hypothyroid connection as I personally had shoulder, neck, upper back problems well before a hypothyroid diagnosis, but no PD. There is recent research from India following patients very long term from initial pains over decades and hypothyroidism. Coathanger pain was mentioned in another paper. It is said to be as a result of low FT3 not therefore getting to receptors that go with production and maintenance of collagen etc in tendons/cartilage. Makes perfect sense to me as I now have a fibromyalgia diagnosis …pain in areas with this type of soft tissue…why it starts neck/ shoulders I don’t know but I suppose this area always has a lot of work to do just holding you head up , or writing/ being at a screen !
I always wondered what might cause the frozen shoulder because like a lot of problems you can sometimes see articles that say cause unknown but it seems like there is a fairly strong association between thyroid issues and frozen shoulder and even though there has been some discussion of frozen shoulder in Parkinson's frozen shoulder doesn't seem to always turn into Parkinson's
"research suggests a potential link between hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Parkinson's disease (PD). While not a direct cause-and-effect relationship, studies indicate an association and increased risk of PD in individuals with hypothyroidism.
Evidence of a Link:
Increased Risk:
Some studies have shown that individuals with hypothyroidism have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those without hypothyroidism.
Shared Symptoms:
Both hypothyroidism and Parkinson's can present with similar symptoms like fatigue, slow movements (bradykinesia), and cognitive issues, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.
Impact on Dopamine:
Hypothyroidism can affect dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter crucial for movement and brain function, which is also affected in Parkinson's disease.
Genetic Overlap:
Some studies suggest a potential genetic overlap between thyroid disorders and Parkinson's, with certain gene variants associated with both conditions.
Thyroid Hormone Influence:
Thyroid hormones play a role in brain development and function, and imbalances in thyroid function may contribute to neurodegenerative processes related to Parkinson's. "
Has she any other PD symptoms? I had a very rigid shoulder which was investigated by a shoulder Consultant who suggested I see a Neurologist. I had several other symptoms which prior to seeing the Neurologist I had not linked, but put down to other things like the menopause etc
My husband had physio for a frozen shoulder and round about the same time had thyroid issues. A few years later he complained of stiff legs and stopped using a piece of equipment at the gym which he thought was to blame. These issues remained with him and he had physio over the years. April 2018 he had a hip operation and a year later had problems with bowel/bladder and walking. He then started to feel ‘lightheaded’ and fainted a couple of times. He was then admitted to hospital and diagnosed with MSA-P. Why did it take medical professionals so long to diagnose and I ask myself could we have changed anything for the better had we known.
I had two frozen shoulders years before PD diagnosis. My father as well. He also has PD. I have an under active thyroid as well, for which I am medicated.
I also had frozen shoulder. I thought this was connected to the arm not swinging. My neurologists diagnosed my PD based on symptoms and I thought the arm not swinging was part of that definitive list? It has been 10 years so my memory is a bit hazy.
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