PMR - vertigo and left shoulder/neck stiffness, slight jaw stiffness on waking

[Miserere]

I have recently noticed stiffness in left shoulder/neck with headache above left eye, some vertigo and some tiredness. Also slightly stiff left jaw on waking which soon eases. I have PMR and have reduced to 9mg Prednisolone. Should I be asking about GCA?

[SnazzyD]

You might be clenching your teeth at night which can cause these things but it is also worth getting checked for GCA. My prelude to full on GCA was morning symptoms that went by breakfast.

[Miserere in reply to SnazzyD]

I have noticed that I am clenching my teeth more - whether that's due to reducing pred or the state of the world I'm not sure. However, the vertigo comes usually when I bend over sometimes - weird and unpleasant. I am wondering if the tight neck muscles are adding to this. As I have said to jinasc I will ask the GP on Wednesday. Thank you for your response.

[SnazzyD in reply to Miserere]

It’s worth being aware of the sternokleidomastoid muscles and their wide range of effects, some of which can mimic some GCA symptoms. I will also add another of my prelude GCA symptoms was increasing tendency to motion sickness and dizziness. healthline.com/health/stern...

[Miserere in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks again, SnazzyD. I've just read the article and tried some of the exercises. Everything is tight on the left handside of the neck and onto the shoulder so the SCM is definitely part of this. I can feel the tension. Right hand side is OK. I wish it was easy to relax a muscle at will but know it's just about impossible. I also don't know why it has decided to tighten up to such an extent either. I'll do some more exercises regularly through the day and see if that helps ease it. My eyesight seems OK and I did have one of the enhanced eye tests at Specsavers recently which was fine. How is your GCA? I hope you are getting through it OK.

[jinasc]

Yes I would be asking.

Also as a back up go to the FAG's and scroll down to 'EARS.' It is quite possible your medics have not seen this yet.

[Miserere in reply to jinasc]

Thank you - I have read the article - interesting. I have the next telephone check up with the GP on 1st September so will talk to her about it.

[herdysheep]

Try a wheatie bag (heat bag) across your shoulders when you sit down and at night in bed. It will help to relax that muscle a bit. Be careful not to overheat the bag. I find it helps to lessen the pain at night time after my silly o'clock trip to the loo when it is so difficult to get comfortable.

[Miserere in reply to herdysheep]

Thank you - I will get one and try it.