Aa
Any suggestions?
My mother has been having shoulder pain and upper arm stiffness in both arms and shoulders now for months. Her arthritic doctor has done blood work and diagnosed her with bursitis, borderline RA, oesteoarthritis (from xrays) and put her on prednisone. She also sent her to a neurologist thinking it might be a pinched nerve. She has also been doing physical therapy 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Nothing is giving her relief. Should she have an MRI or be on arthritis medication instead of prednisone? Anyone going through this also?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
To answer your question directly, yes your mother should have a MRI of the cervical spine. There is a possibility that she could have pinched spinal nerve especially if she has arthritis. You have to discuss the best treatment option with a neurologist, which can range from medication to physiotherapy to traction, cervical collars or even surgery. Alternatively you can visit a chiropractor or a physical therapist and learn some exercises which you can do to relieve the compression.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if there is any thing else and keep me posted. Take care!
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
To answer your question directly, yes your mother should have a MRI of the cervical spine. There is a possibility that she could have pinched spinal nerve especially if she has arthritis. You have to discuss the best treatment option with a neurologist, which can range from medication to physiotherapy to traction, cervical collars or even surgery. Alternatively you can visit a chiropractor or a physical therapist and learn some exercises which you can do to relieve the compression.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if there is any thing else and keep me posted. Take care!
If I were her in her shoes, I wouldn't want to be on prednisone long term due to side effects. Of course, prescription arthritis meds tend to be very hard on the stomach and can cause serious side effects as well. You might ask the neurologist about an MRI.
She might try more natural steps, in addition to the physical therapy, such as Sam-E, OTC (naturemade brand has had scientific studies), which is supposed to be good for joint health. She might try acupuncture from a well-trained, experienced acupuncturist to see if they can help. Also, flaxseed oil or enteric coated fish oil capsules have omega fatty acids that are good for inflammation. I take the flaxseed oil capsules, 1000 mg morning and mid-day for my own osteoarthritis in my jaws as well as for mood. Certain foods are rich in omega fatty acids as well, like macadamia and walnuts, pumpkin seeds and freshwater fish, such as salmon and tuna. And Ester-C (gentler on the stomach than plain vitamin C) can help with circulation to the area.
Using moist heat might help relax some of the stiffness she feels. If she is in an acute phase of bursitis, I would think they should rest the area until the inflammation has subsided enough to gently take on exercising. Exercising the arms under the water can help with the pain level compared to doing the exercises outside the water- check with your local YMCA if you have one to see if they don't have a heated pool and a time for physical therapy type exercises in the water with a YMCA employee to coach. I got benefit from this kind of exercise for a knee injury and others were there with various problems, such as hip replacement.
She might try more natural steps, in addition to the physical therapy, such as Sam-E, OTC (naturemade brand has had scientific studies), which is supposed to be good for joint health. She might try acupuncture from a well-trained, experienced acupuncturist to see if they can help. Also, flaxseed oil or enteric coated fish oil capsules have omega fatty acids that are good for inflammation. I take the flaxseed oil capsules, 1000 mg morning and mid-day for my own osteoarthritis in my jaws as well as for mood. Certain foods are rich in omega fatty acids as well, like macadamia and walnuts, pumpkin seeds and freshwater fish, such as salmon and tuna. And Ester-C (gentler on the stomach than plain vitamin C) can help with circulation to the area.
Using moist heat might help relax some of the stiffness she feels. If she is in an acute phase of bursitis, I would think they should rest the area until the inflammation has subsided enough to gently take on exercising. Exercising the arms under the water can help with the pain level compared to doing the exercises outside the water- check with your local YMCA if you have one to see if they don't have a heated pool and a time for physical therapy type exercises in the water with a YMCA employee to coach. I got benefit from this kind of exercise for a knee injury and others were there with various problems, such as hip replacement.
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