Can PMR cause Balance problems?

Hi @papas, You are so right, PMR is truly a journey. I can be quite different for each of us but PMR pain is a common denominator. You will notice that we added a little to your discussion title to let members know what the discussion is about so that members with experience can join in the discussion.

My PMR is in remission now but I do have balance problems unrelated to PMR. It's good to hear you are doing some stretching exercises to help with the shoulder/neck area and have found that helpful. Exercise does help and I tried to make sure I moved a lot early in the morning to help when my PMR was active.

Have you discussed any balance exercises with your physical therapist or doctor?

Yes, I’m lucky to have a daughter who is a PT. She will not treat me (which I totally understand) but often will offer direction & guidance. The balance issue at this point is more annoying causing me to pay more attention to my body. The stretching routines help.

Hi. I have some balance issues....hard to describe...is it a slight dizziness or lightheadedness...or balance? Anyway it's not severe just annoying but I am pretty sure it's the pred. I also think the inflammation increase from PMR and the other side effects of pred (muscles and tendons) has messed with my already.arthritic joints...so everything feels loose. Know what I mean? Anyway good luck. Be well.

Hi. your description is spot on “slight dizziness or lightheadedness or Balance” I do know that I have a tendency to raise my shoulders upward stressing the neck shoulder area, PT daughter tells me this action is very common when using “devices” and the result is tension in the neck/shoulder. I found myself doing this while I was typing this comment. There are some a number of stretching movements on line, search “relieving neck pain” WEBMD has a number of them. Good luck with your journey.

I also have balance problems but no doc (includes two neurologists) has been able to figure it out. No dizziness or involvement with inner ear. Is only when my feet are bearing weight. I have decided one or both legs are giving bad signals. Started about a month after treatment for PMR started. MRI for stroke showed nothing. That and the trochator bursitis are my main annoyances. Working on it in PT.

Yes devices.....they are wonderful until domeone gets an eye poked out...lol. I find myself pulling my shoulders up a lot too. Oh I love tells. Thanks for letting me know. Please take care of yourself.

I too have lots of balance issues - I look inebriated when I walk sometimes, try to touch things when I walk past, as a physical orientation.

Early in my journey with PMR, I had balance issues. Several visits with a PT have helped. I notice that when I am inactive for a while, my balance is off, and it takes a while for it correct itself. Lots of walking helps. I notice that the longer I walk, the better my balance and gait becomes.

I agree, recently started walking at a local mall with two friends three days a week. Usually spend an hour before stores open. I feel great after the walk and the balance issue has subsided a lot. The journey continues.