Dropped shoulder a symptom?

[redavenger]

I recently noticed one of my shoulders is lower than the other since having pmr, is this a usual symptom? I don't know if one side has dropped or the other side is higher due to muscle tension.

[corralie]

Hi there. Just to record that I have the same problem but it could be due to wear and tear.

Also it has developed into a frozen shoulder problem that can last for ages before it gets better so physio said.

Anyone else out there with shoulder problems?

I think I read somewhere on this site that it could be a problem when on the lower dose of Pred. I'm on 2.5 to 2 mg.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to corralie]

Corralie, take a look at the PMR website and their Newsletter Issue 7, page 5, where you can read about rotator cuff syndrome, which might be what is causing your shoulder problems.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

redavenger, that's interesting to me as I've never heard anyone else complaining about a dropped shoulder. My left shoulder is affected to the point that a physio at a pain management course I attended was repeatedly telling me to stand up straight as my left shoulder was drooping - in the end I told him I was born like that! I have always put mine down to my spinal problem which has caused my right hip area to protrude significantly more than my left side, although, having said that, I certainly didn't notice it pre-PMR I do try to make a conscious effort to lift it and lower the right shoulder when I think about it but it feels awkward.

[redavenger in reply to Celtic]

It sounds to me as though we have the same problem, as I too have a spine and hip problem but mine was caused by a motorbike accident 45 years ago, and the drooping shoulder has only shown up this year with the pmr.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Even more interesting, redavenger - I suppose you haven't noticed that your body is also curving out more on the right hand side than the left, just below the waist?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would suggest a visit to a good osteopath or Bowen practitioner. I suspect that PMR exacerbates any muscular problems to an extent that we are far more aware of it and in the long run it can lead to pain that isn't actually PMR but may be very similar and so is mistaken for a flare or other shoulder bursitis or rotator cuff problems.

[redavenger]

Yes, I go to a good chiropractor every 2or3 months to get straightened out,she always checks my legs and if one is longer than the other,adjusts my pelvis. It was she who first suggested. I had pmr as she couldn't fin anything out of place then. I am due for a visit in 2 weeks so can check the shoulder thing then.

[Llanboidy]

I was interested to see your post because I noticed my right shoulder dropping a few weeks before developing PMR symptoms. My right leg is shorter than the left and I have slight scoliosis. I see a chiropractor regularly and have something in my right shoe to raise the leg a bit and normally this keeps me straight. I was a bit mystified by this till reading PMRpro's post which, I think, explains what was happening. It stopped happening- not sure when - maybe when PMR symptoms started to develop. My right shoulder is much worse than the left which isn't too bad.

[redavenger]

Mine seems back to normal at present, I also have more movement in the right arm although the pain is still severe, so I think it was probably inflammation which has moved on. Do you live in llanboidy? I am in narberth.

[Llanboidy in reply to redavenger]

Dear redavenger. Small world. I don't live in Llanboidy but I know it because my mother lived there until she died in 2006. Narberth seems a lovely place. I'm in Nottingham. Not particularly lovely but a good place to live.

I think it's good to mention these odd symptoms as they might help build up knowledge about PMR. I hope things go well with you.