Charley-horse cramps in my torso. is this FM?

[Lingarvey]

I have suffered for years from painful muscle flare-ups. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome in the past, but I am not sure that my symptoms fit either diagnosis because the pain I experience is in the form of seemingly relentless charley horse-type cramps.
They can occur in my chest or mid to upper back or shoulders. This occurs 3-4 times a year, like clockwork, and lasts for about 4-6 weeks gradually increasing in severity and frequency the first week and tapering down by the 4th week leaving me very sore and exhausted. The rest of the year I am almost symptom free.

Some other basic info: - White, female, 53 years - 5'6", 158 lbs. - tried physical therapy (x2) - tried myofascial realease - former patient of Dr. Wheeler - Flexeril doesn't seem to help - MRI, x-rays negative - take Zoloft, synthroid and Vit. D-3, calcium, magnesium, B-12 - healthy diet - active (walking, yoga, stretching) but no regimented exercise plan - stable family life, do not work; very active Red Cross Disaster Volunteer - shoe size (HaHa - just kidding!)

If anyone knowswhat this might be, I would appreciate hearing from you. It is very upsetting to friends and family who have to helplessly watch me endure this cramping. Thanks for your time.

[VaBreeze]

You are most welcome.  We are glad that you decided to join us.  

I hope that you are feeling better real soon.  We know it's difficult and that's why we are here sharing our experiences and support with others.  We often don't get empathy from family, friends or physicians and it helps to know that others are in the 'same boat', lol.

Take care and please keep in touch.

[Lingarvey]

I've got Nexium for the ulcer and switched to Ex. Strength Tylenol a few weeks ago. (although nothing works as well as ibuprofen). I am in between flare-ups now and just have what I refer to as healing aches and pains in my back, neck and underarm area. It's worse at the end of the day, but I know that's typical of anything.

I sincerely appreciate your concern. I've never used a site like this before.

[VaBreeze]

I'm glad that you sought medical attention.  The EKG should have picked up anything going on heart wise, but there is the EEG (which is used to monitor heart functioning).  These are some things you might discuss with your doc. at your next visit.  I am not sure if the EKG would pick up the prolapse or not.  

The ulcer can very well be causing more issues with the chest pain.  It might be what is behind the pain you have now.  I hope you are taking care of that as well.  Ulcers are horrible to experience.  Maybe switch over to Aleve or Tylenol for your muscle pain.  I feel for you...that has to be awful.

About the SAD...this is something that would cause a change in your mood, but not likely to have anything to do with chest pain.  Sometimes I believe docs. try to explain away things by convincing us it's something else (so they will have an answer to give).  Just like they continue to relate FMS/CFS to psychological issues.

Take care of yourself Lingarvey!

[Lingarvey]

Thanks. I have been to the ER in the past and they immediately did an EKG. My Dr. does an EKG every year and all is OK. Would mitral valve prolapse be detected then or do I need more specific testing?

My chest pain is now compounded by an esophageal ulcer from taking too much ibuprofen for the muscle pain. (Ugh!)

[Lingarvey]

Thank you, yes. I, too, thought it was the cold and change in seasons - even told I had Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, it does not to be seasonal. I live in North Carolina and have had flare-ups in June, October, March.
The rest of the time I'm trying to decide if PT-type exercising is helping or hurting me. My gut says it's hurting, but by the time I have waitied for the pain to go away completely, another flare-up is starting. If I don't exercise in between flare-ups, I won't get much done. I do alot of stretching and walking. Don't get me wrong - I am far from an exercise attict. I'll admit I make lame attempts at it, but largely because I am worried I'm making things worse and will trigger a cramp.

[VaBreeze]

It would be a good idea to be checked for angina.  Mitral valve prolapse has been reported as a symptom of FMS.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitral_valve  

I'm not trying to frighten you, but assuming that chest pain is merely a charley horse can lead to serious problems.  The next time you are having this, please be safe and check into an ER to have it dx'd properly.  Chest pain is not a usual symptom of FMS...not this type of pain that you have described.

Take care of you!

[Caroline565]

Hi. Just a thought. Do you live in an area where there is a distict seasonal change in the weather? Is there any event you can possibly link to the onset? Does a hot shower or moist heat give you any relief? This really sounds painful. Have you ever tried Coenzyme Q10? Ask your doc about it first, if he/she thinks it's worth trying.

I remember when I was working, I used to get these very deep muscle spasms in my back. It used to happen in damp weather or change of season. I began wearing an extra layer (light T-shirt) to help hold in my body heat or sometimes wear a light jacket even when I wasn't really cold. I will still wear the extra t-shirt to bed if there dampness. I'm not saying what I've experienced is the same as you. I often get charley horses (muscle cramps) in my feet or legs but I know why. It is usually related to exercise--if I forget to stretch or if I don't stretch enough, they tend to tighten up at night. I usually jump up  and try to walk. Some medications can add to this too.