Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lilburn, GA
4 days ago
 · 
Reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I wake up with a stiff neck and stiff in other areas as well

4 days ago
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I always assumed my lifetime neck pain and stiffness was due to whiplash and definitely the injuries could have been th foundational problem but the parkinsonism may have contributed to stiffness at some point especially as I aged into increased parkinsonism symptoms. Idk. I just know what I experienced as fibromyalgia stiffness over the years is nothing compared to recent stiffness I can only describe as rigidity like I'm a metallic robot especially in the am and much more pervasive bodywise on bad days. The rightity is not just stiffness in joints but seems to apply to either skin or muscles somehow. Like I sometimes feel like there is plastic wrap tightly stretched over the soles of my feet pulling the skin flat. Idk if that is rigidity or some other weird symptom of fibromyalgia or something different. But the robot feeling more than just joint stiffness I heard was characteristic description of rigidity.
Feels like I have to overcome gravitational forces to move each limb out from a position I held on couch or bed for 10-20 minutes if that. I change positions every few minutes when awake due to pain primarily but also due to rigidity in recent maybe a year. It's weird how u live with a symptom so long you just accept it as the new normal and when it actually fits and is explained by new diagnosis it is less mystifying and validates a phenomenon you thought couldn't be explained or seemed without cause or part of aging. Bit I'm 55 so ont likely age related. Interesting!

3 days ago
MyParkinsonsTeam

Waking up with a painful, stiff neck is something many people with Parkinson's can relate to. It's actually quite common, and there are a few reasons why it tends to happen.

Parkinson's can cause a type of involuntary muscle contraction called dystonia, which often strikes in the morning when medication levels are at their Show Full Answer

Waking up with a painful, stiff neck is something many people with Parkinson's can relate to. It's actually quite common, and there are a few reasons why it tends to happen.

Parkinson's can cause a type of involuntary muscle contraction called dystonia, which often strikes in the morning when medication levels are at their lowest. This can affect the neck, face, jaw, and other areas, causing painful cramping or twisting sensations.

A MyParkinsonsTeam member made a connection between their morning dystonia and a rough night's sleep, noting the two seemed to go hand in hand.

Sleep itself can also be part of the problem. Common nighttime issues include:

- Rigidity (stiffness) that flares up when lying down
- Difficulty turning over in bed, making it hard to shift positions and relieve pressure on muscles
- Dystonia causing muscle cramps or spasms during the night The good news is that morning dystonia and stiffness can often be managed. It's worth talking to a doctor about whether medication timing adjustments might help, since symptoms often ease once the next dose kicks in. A physical therapist familiar with Parkinson's may also suggest stretches or positioning strategies to reduce overnight stiffness.

4 days ago
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes I wake up every morning with a stiff neck and sore hips. And never have had a problem with them before.

2 days ago
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes and hips also

3 days ago

Related Questions

View All
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Bel Air, MD

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Woking on Sea UK

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In