Muscle and joint stiffness, aches, pain or weakness

[Walking]

I am posting this b/c I am at a loss as to how to deal with this, not sure if it's the WD or something else.

 

Since recovering from a 5th metatarsal bone  break 3.5 years ago, I've been gradually getting back to my prior gym workout intensity to regain my flexibility, stamina, strength, and slim physique - not to mention the myriad mental/emotional benefits. Have had to also deal w/muscle pain & tightness, which I have been successfully treating w/trigger point therapy techniques.

 

I've been doing great, although it's taking much longer than I figured, all of the above mentioned areas are gradually improving, I feel and look better all the time.

 

The past couple of weeks, however, the muscle aches and tightness are roaring back w/a vengeance, to the point where I'm unable to do simple things like reaching up into a kitchen cabinet, lifting up my leg to remove my sock, walking lunges in the gym, etc, etc. Combined with intermittent joint pain in previously healed areas. No amount of self-treatment is making a dent in this, which is totally puzzling given how things have been up to now.

 

I am thinking of checking out a trigger point physical therapist that my therapist recommended, and who has a bunch of glowing help reviews, but part of me  is wondering if it would be a waste of time/money/effort/hope, if it's due to the WD.

 

Sorry for the long post - I'm wondering whether anyone here can relate, and if so, what has been the outcome?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

[LarryS]

I relate to the topic, due to low back and neck pain.  As a junior in high school playing football, I somewhat accidentally ran straight into another player and got my head snapped back causing neck pain.  It subsided and I never had it checked out.  In my 30's I lifted a tire wrong and wound up with a bulged disk which caused excruciating pain.  This took a year to heal and feel better.

Now at age 70, I'm experiencing pain in these two areas.  Usually it is low grade ongoing pain.  But lately, any little wrong movement on my part can cause the pain to worsen.  The pain can drain my energy, cause headaches,  stomach queesiness, and require bed rest.  Fortunately, a day or two of rest will bring me back to a better state.  I do go to the gym for a light work out, three times a week.  I try to be very careful when doing any chores around the home and yard.  Since I know bending down repetitively is hard on my back, I pay others to do chores like raking up leaves in the yard.

I currently do light physical therapy exercises on my own, which loosens things up a bit.

I have tried massage for pain.  I have tried chiropractic.  I have tried physical therapy.  I have tried pain medication.  I have tried a few other things.

I don't want surgery.  I don't want a large needle in my back to give me pain killer medication.

My conclusion is, I will just have to live with it.

I believe continuing to keep moving, is the best key to maintaining my physical well being.

[FleeingFluoxetine]

Does withdrawal cause muscle aches?

 

Hey, everyone. I dropped from 150 mg to 100 mg of Seroquel back in February. I’m wondering if it can cause muscle aches. I have a bad back to begin with, but for the past few days I’ve had random muscles aches all over it. They’re not in anyone one place like they would be if I pulled something. One minute my lower back hurts. Then across my shoulders. Then down my spine. The only consistency is the inconsistency. 

 

Last year when I tried getting off Prozac my doctor put me on Trintellex and I gave up after a month because my back/butt was so sore I couldn’t sit and I felt like I’d been punched in the mouth. 

 

I took a Robaxacet tonight and that seems to be helping a bit. 

 

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

Edited July 9, 2019 by ChessieCat
added topic title

[Nelly]

I am experiencing withdrawal symptoms; pain in my head and back of my neck. Neuropathy. Recently felling wooshy; lightheaded and dizzy. Because I know why I am feeling this way I can accept it and say to myself it will pass. X

[Gridley]

On 7/9/2019 at 12:58 AM, FleeingFluoxetine said:

 

Does withdrawal cause muscle aches?

 

 

It's a common withdrawal symptom.  I've had back of neck stiffness and pain and lower back pain throughout withdrawal.  It comes and goes.

[trenace]

Can withdrawal cause tendon and joint issues? Since my reaction to antibiotics it's been downhill with waves and some windows too although I'm still pretty sick in the windows. My issue is my tendons and joints. I've dislocated my bicep tendon and possible torn my rota cuff with minimal to no exercise or impact. My other shoulder is starting to cause pain when I move it now. Is withdrawal and tendon weakness a symptom?

[DD44]

I would love to hear anyones suggestions on how to help with achy joints. I have issues with pain around my elbows, right shoulder, neck..i was an athlete my entire life and would like to get active again. 

i have been taking a long break from vigorous activity hoping my body could relax a bit. supplements and therapies would love to hear. or any physical therapy programs etc

 

[eboyd]

I have had the same issues.  I see a chiropractor every other week.  I also have sound vibration healing done the same week as my chiro.  I take 41mg cbd in the morning and at night.  I removed all pro-inflammatory foods from my diet as well.  All of that together has helped manage the pain that comes with this whole process.  

[Altostrata]

@DD44 see above.

[Cathy4]

Hi Everyone, 

I’m having strange aches & pains that seem to circulate around my body (but currently mostly my lower body).  There’s an ache in my left leg that almost reminds me of what my Mom used to call “growing pains” when I was young.  
 

There’s dull pain in my pelvic region that comes & goes and switches from right to left sides.  There’s a muscle deep in my pelvic region that I feel like I can’t unclench, it feels like it’s constantly activated like I’m trying to urinate all the time.  It’s just bizarre.  
 

These weird pains and sensations aren’t unbearable, just nagging and continue to set off alarm bells in my head, ya know?  Sometimes they are a little sharp, but other times they are just dull and achy.  
 

Somedays they are there and other days not.  Is this just kind of a “welcome to withdrawal” thing?  
 

The only thing that seems to help is one of those microwaveable hot packs.  
Thanks in advance for any reassurance.  
 

Cathy

[Junglechicken]

Muscle aches have been an ongoing issue for me.

 

I used to be super fit until WD changed all that.

 

 

[miomio]

Anyone who expieriencecs some kind of Burnout whit total weakness and pain all over the Body?

Something i can do against that,or just "sitting it out"?

[Altair]

Si li ho' avuti anche io durante l'astinenza. 

 

Yes, I also had them during abstinence. 

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by ChessieCat
added translation

[miomio]

stai meglio adesso?

 

are you better now?

 

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by ChessieCat
added translation

[Altair]

Si dopo 2 mesi e mezzo mi è sparito tutto. Rimane solo un po di ansia a periodi, ma grandi e lunghi periodi di normalita? Prendevo xanax 0,75

 

Yes, after 2 and a half months it all disappeared. Only a little bit of anxiety remains in periods, but large and long periods of normalcy? I took xanax 0.75

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by ChessieCat
added translation

[Giulietta]

On 12/13/2017 at 7:22 AM, Junglechicken said:

I think the pain is caused by excess cortisol and adrenaline in the body, and there is nowhere for it to go if we don't "release" that nervous energy.

 

And so its rather like lactic acid build up.  We HAVE to find a way to release that energy or we remain in pain.

 

Hello JC,

 

How are you today? I had not realized you were a marathoner!  While not a marathoner, I had been physically active (until this) and certainly earlier in my life a variety of sports.

 

How are you doing now physically and with skeletal muscle strength, pain, joints, etc.?

 

Is there a link you can direct me to - or information that I help myself with - for muscle weakness/pain - mostly in my thighs? It happens in the mornings, 30-45 min after getting up (may or may not be associated with cortisol spike I think), and lasts for 2.5 - 4 hours. During this time I may also have very blurry vision, headache, and some other dumb symptoms. 😉

 

I am chair bound for most of this time. It is every month, started in June and has increased in number of days to a high of 11 or 12 this February.  It somes occurs after walking on the treadmill (moderate pace) - and I may have cramps after doing some PT for my sciatica.

 

There is I think there is visible muscle loss.  I really want to exercise.

 

Thanks

Guilietta

 

 

 

 

 

[Giulietta]

1 hour ago, Guilietta said:

I am chair bound for most of this time.

 

I should clarify this. I have a lot of imbalance (as well?) - so even if I struggle to cross the room - I'm better off sitting until the worst is over.

 

Because of the imbalance - steppping to the side or to the back is much more difficult - I wonder if this is vertigo (as well?).

 

 

On 12/13/2017 at 7:22 AM, Junglechicken said:

I think the pain is caused by excess cortisol and adrenaline in the body, and there is nowhere for it to go if we don't "release" that nervous energy.

 

And so its rather like lactic acid build up.  We HAVE to find a way to release that energy or we remain in pain.

 

Are we better off to exercise or not? The logic of lactic acid build up is logical for a muscle cramp.

 

What is nervous weakness???

 

I found this...it doesn't say what to do about these things....

 

 

[Junglechicken]

11 hours ago, Guilietta said:

 

Hello JC,

 

How are you today? I had not realized you were a marathoner!  While not a marathoner, I had been physically active (until this) and certainly earlier in my life a variety of sports.

 

How are you doing now physically and with skeletal muscle strength, pain, joints, etc.?

 

Is there a link you can direct me to - or information that I help myself with - for muscle weakness/pain - mostly in my thighs? It happens in the mornings, 30-45 min after getting up (may or may not be associated with cortisol spike I think), and lasts for 2.5 - 4 hours. During this time I may also have very blurry vision, headache, and some other dumb symptoms. 😉

 

I am chair bound for most of this time. It is every month, started in June and has increased in number of days to a high of 11 or 12 this February.  It somes occurs after walking on the treadmill (moderate pace) - and I may have cramps after doing some PT for my sciatica.

 

There is I think there is visible muscle loss.  I really want to exercise.

 

Thanks

Guilietta

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi G,

 

Yes, I WAS/WERE a marathoner.

 

I should also say that I'm not the only formerly superfit person on SA to fall victim to the joys of AD WD.

 

In early WD I relied heavily on osteopathic treatment.  I could barely walk without extreme fatigue and pain all over my body.

 

The sudden cessation of the drug sent my entire body into spasm (is the only way I can describe it).

 

Like others on SA, I experienced severe siatica (out of the blue) right down my right leg, and damaged my lower back twice to the point I was on strong painkillers for a few weeks and was in so much pain I couldn't sleep.

 

So that's a rather dramatic recollection of what early WD was like for me, so I know where you're coming from when you say walking is too painful/difficult for you.

 

Back to treatment.  As I said I relied on:

 

1) Osteopathic treatment for several months.

2) Sports physio

3) Pool running - too painful to run

4) Rowing on our rowing machine.

 

I think the best course of action is to get assessed by an osteopath, as they have a very "holistic" training that goes beyond just muscle injury.

 

They can advise the right type of exercise you can do, what stretches etc.,

 

I'm thinking they will give you a number of seated exercises to do so you can maintain muscle strength.

 

Keep us posted!

 

Hugs,

JC

[Giulietta]

On 11/30/2019 at 6:36 PM, Cathy4 said:

These weird pains and sensations aren’t unbearable, just nagging and continue to set off alarm bells in my head, ya know?  Sometimes they are a little sharp, but other times they are just dull and achy.  

 

Hi Cathy

 

Just wanted to say hello - I see you're a relatively new member. Sorry to hear about all your aches and soreness. I hope you are able to functional WD normal (aside from symptoms not mentioned here) and you have only to use palliative methods to relieve some of the pain.

 

Hugs,

G.

[Giulietta]

Hello JC,

 

Thank you for reponding/recapitulating your situation and organizing it in a straightforward fashion. After going through pages of people's suffering on this self-care topic - I wasn't able to consolidate/identify commonalities. 😉

 

Not taking action (and not knowing what to do), lack  of empowerment and control add to the 'misery' of this.

 

2 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

Back to treatment.

 

1. Will look for an osteopath near me (mini project!).

2. Will stop by a sports physical therapy group I have worked with before for assorted injuries

3. Will reassess diet for histamines

4. Going to check w/cardio re: statin but doubt it is related since statin pre-dated this mess by 3-4 months.

 

2 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

I'm thinking they will give you a number of seated exercises to do so you can maintain muscle strength.

 

Brilliant idea!

 

On 11/30/2019 at 6:36 PM, Cathy4 said:

The only thing that seems to help is one of those microwaveable hot packs.  
Thanks in advance for any reassurance.  

 

Thanks for posting this. I will  try this and maybe also ice. Thanks for posting and glad this helps you at least a bit.

 

Hugs to you all and thanks for your support and suggestions. After every morning of this - I have to resist crying. Yesterday was the final straw on this for me.

 

Giulietta 💓

 

[Junglechicken]

1 hour ago, Guilietta said:

Hello JC,

 

Thank you for reponding/recapitulating your situation and organizing it in a straightforward fashion. After going through pages of people's suffering on this self-care topic - I wasn't able to consolidate/identify commonalities. 😉

 

Not taking action (and not knowing what to do), lack  of empowerment and control add to the 'misery' of this.

 

 

1. Will look for an osteopath near me (mini project!).

2. Will stop by a sports physical therapy group I have worked with before for assorted injuries

3. Will reassess diet for histamines

4. Going to check w/cardio re: statin but doubt it is related since statin pre-dated this mess by 3-4 months.

 

 

Brilliant idea!

 

 

Thanks for posting this. I will  try this and maybe also ice. Thanks for posting and glad this helps you at least a bit.

 

Hugs to you all and thanks for your support and suggestions. After every morning of this - I have to resist crying. Yesterday was the final straw on this for me.

 

Giulietta 💓

 

 

I found it all pretty abstract back then. 

 

Couldn't understand the WHYs of this invisible undiagnosed pain, when only a couple of weeks earlier I was training in sub zero temperatures. 

 

Doctors just sent me home telling me it was because I was over 40 and my body wasn't recovering quite as well as it used to?!?

 

Anyway, hopefully you will be "on track" now to alleviate some of the pain = happier person = you can do more 🙂

 

TC,

JC

 

[Giulietta]

Thanks, JC.

 

It isn't just the pain - but also the weakness. 😎 I will be happier and productive, yes. 😉

 

58 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

Couldn't understand the WHYs of this invisible undiagnosed pain

 

It is really confusing/complex to understand (for me).

 

So many MDs want to blame it on something rather than fix the problem (they can't identify) then bill insurance $545 - or you - if you don't have insurance.

 

How long (about) did it take for you to be able to consistently walk well after starting your therapy?

 

Hugs and healing

Giuilietta

 

 

[Junglechicken]

19 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

Thanks, JC.

 

It isn't just the pain - but also the weakness. 😎 I will be happier and productive, yes. 😉

 

 

It is really confusing/complex to understand (for me).

 

So many MDs want to blame it on something rather than fix the problem (they can't identify) then bill insurance $545 - or you - if you don't have insurance.

 

How long (about) did it take for you to be able to consistently walk well after starting your therapy?

 

Hugs and healing

Giuilietta

 

 

 

Oh I know, the weakness was awful too.

 

MDs have to blame it on something, as they simply don't know the underlying cause, and don't want to admit it!!  We were fortunate in Canada, in that we had our provincial health insurance, but of course, still had to pay for prescriptions.  I am aware that the medical costs in the US are astronomical.

 

How long did it take me to be able to walk without too much pain?? That's a difficult one to answer, however, I felt better (temporarily) after each osteopathic session, and made a point of keeping myself mobile no matter how challenging it was.  I did regular pool running sessions and walks around our neighbourhood.

 

I think the most accurate answer on this I can give is after 2-3 months, which would have been when acute WD eased off after Lexapro re-instatement.  

 

Hugs and healing,

JC

 

 

[Giulietta]

6 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

don't want to admit it!! 

 

I think if they could admit this and refer you to someone else - that wouldl be a step in the right direction. I understand that one person doesn't have all of the answers.

 

Yes, medical care here is through the roof. The most expensive doesn't mean the best care. What Americans pay for prescription drugs is shameful. And these are for the most part American companies. Most generics are made in China and India quite unfortunately.

 

6 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

osteopathic session

 

is this physical therapy? i don't know what this is....

 

I really appreciate the suggestions for PT and an osteopath. I stopped by a physical therapy group I have been to for previous injuries and mentioned my situation. They had heard of this and its cause. I was stunned.  They will see me a couple of times and then I can do the exercises at home. 

 

I have to find an osteopath - I have never worked with one before.  I don't know if they will accept my medical insurance coverage and I can't afford to pay out of pocket now.

 

Another member suggested elastic sleeves. I saw some place rollers might help.

 

6 hours ago, Junglechicken said:

I think the most accurate answer on this I can give is after 2-3 months,

 

I am glad you had 2-3 months only.  I've been dealing with this for a bit longer... 🙄

 

Hugs and sleep well,

 

Guilietta

[Cathy4]

On 2/25/2020 at 5:55 AM, Guilietta said:

Just wanted to say hello - I see you're a relatively new member. Sorry to hear about all your aches and soreness. I hope you are able to functional WD normal (aside from symptoms not mentioned here) and you have only to use palliative methods to relieve some of the pain.

Thank you so much, Guilietta.  I see you on here a lot and it’s so nice to connect with you.  
The above symptoms have sort of morphed into different withdrawal symptoms, but I’m still using heat on a regular basis.  
 

I do hope you find relief soon, Guilietta.  Hug back to you and thanks for the warm welcome. 
Cathy 

[Giulietta]

43 minutes ago, Cathy4 said:

The above symptoms have sort of morphed into different withdrawal symptoms, but I’m still using heat on a regular basis.  

 

Hello Cathy,

 

I hope these are less of a problem than the muscle soreness/pain....  😉

 

G.

[Cathy4]

35 minutes ago, Guilietta said:

 

I hope these are less of a problem than the muscle soreness/pain....  😉

Thanks, Guilietta.  
The newer G.I. issues are sticking around a bit longer than the muscle pain/soreness, but I suppose this is just the nature of the withdrawal process.  
 

Did you find an osteopath?  I do wish we were closer because I could offer you a Feldenkrais session to see if that would help with what you go through each morning.  It is frustrating not to be able to exercise, I do understand.  
Hug,

Cathy

[Giulietta]

32 minutes ago, Cathy4 said:

The newer G.I. issues are sticking around a bit longer

 

Sorry to hear that and I hope you find some palliative things for that. 

 

I am sorry to say that I have not found an osteopath yet. I am going to call my insurer about that for advice.

 

I am grateful for every morning when I am able to walk. 😉

 

It is nice to connect.

 

Hugs

G.

 

 

[Giulietta]

Hello everyone,

 

I found this on the Ashton Manual on imbalance, muscle pain/weakness....

 

Problems with balance. Some people during benzodiazepine withdrawal report feeling unsteady on their feet; sometimes they feel they are being pushed to one side or feel giddy, as if things were going round and round. An important organ in controlling motor stability and maintaining equilibrium is a part of the brain called the cerebellum. This organ is densely packed with GABA and benzodiazepine receptors (See Chapter I) and is a prime site of action of benzodiazepines. Excessive doses of benzodiazepines, like alcohol, cause unsteadiness of gait, slurred speech and general incoordination, including inability to walk in a straight line. It may take some time for the cerebellar systems to restabilise after benzodiazepine withdrawal and the symptoms can last until this process is complete. Exercises, such as standing on one leg, first with eyes open, then with eyes closed, can speed recovery.

 

Problems with balance are a WD symptoms from benzos. The manual also indicates issues with muscles:

"Muscle symptoms. Benzodiazepines are efficient muscle relaxants and are used clinically for spastic conditions ranging from spinal cord disease or injury to the excruciating muscle spasms of tetanus or rabies. It is therefore not surprising that their discontinuation after long-term use is associated with a rebound increase in muscle tension. This rebound accounts for many of the symptoms observed in benzodiazepine withdrawal. Muscle stiffness affecting the limbs, back, neck and jaw are commonly reported, and the constant muscle tension probably accounts for the muscle pains which have a similar distribution. Headaches are usually of the "tension headache" type, due to contraction of muscles at the back of the neck, scalp and forehead - often described as a "tight band around the head". Pain in the jaw and teeth is probably due to involuntary jaw clenching, which often occurs unconsciously during sleep.

At the same time, the nerves to the muscles are hyperexcitable, leading to tremor, tics, jerks, spasm and twitching, and jumping at the smallest stimulus. All this constant activity contributes to a feeling of fatigue and weakness ("jelly-legs"). In addition, the muscles, especially the small muscles of the eye, are not well co-ordinated, which may lead to blurred or double vision or even eyelid spasms (blepharospasm)."

 

 

[Junglechicken]

On 2/26/2020 at 7:52 PM, Cathy4 said:

Thanks, Guilietta.  
The newer G.I. issues are sticking around a bit longer than the muscle pain/soreness, but I suppose this is just the nature of the withdrawal process.  
 

Did you find an osteopath?  I do wish we were closer because I could offer you a Feldenkrais session to see if that would help with what you go through each morning.  It is frustrating not to be able to exercise, I do understand.  
Hug,

Cathy

 

Hey Cathy4,

 

What kind of GI issues are you experiencing?

 

Sorry, realise this is "off-topic".

 

TC,

JC

[Cathy4]

44 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

What kind of GI issues are you experiencing?

Hi JC, 

A wide variety:  acid/sour stomach, stomachache, acid reflux, burping, bad gas, and last month it was hemorrhoids, some constipation, diarrhea, etc.  Lots of anxiety issues around food lately, too, because I never know what might trigger some of these symptoms.  How are you?  

[Junglechicken]

28 minutes ago, Cathy4 said:

Hi JC, 

A wide variety:  acid/sour stomach, stomachache, acid reflux, burping, bad gas, and last month it was hemorrhoids, some constipation, diarrhea, etc.  Lots of anxiety issues around food lately, too, because I never know what might trigger some of these symptoms.  How are you?  

 

Hi Cathy,

 

Same as you on the GI front, minus the haemorrhoids, constipation and diarrhoea!

 

What did your physician say about it?

 

JC

 

 

[Cathy4]

28 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

What did your physician say about it?

She suggested SIBO back in January and said I could come in to have a breath test to see.  She did not acknowledge withdrawal at all.  I have not gone in to see her or have that test.  
 

I’m trying the mostly lectin-free diet and trying to eat clean.  

[Junglechicken]

25 minutes ago, Cathy4 said:

She suggested SIBO back in January and said I could come in to have a breath test to see.  She did not acknowledge withdrawal at all.  I have not gone in to see her or have that test.  
 

I’m trying the mostly lectin-free diet and trying to eat clean.  

 

Sounds like she has more "insight" than many physicians out there.

 

My GP doesn't believe in the SIBO/CANDIDA/GUT DYSBIOSIS theory at all.

 

I actually have a breath test kit at home, but never used it as it was too involved for me to cope with at the time.

 

They won't acknowledge WD.

[Cathy4]

21 minutes ago, Junglechicken said:

My GP doesn't believe in the SIBO/CANDIDA/GUT DYSBIOSIS theory at all.

Wow.  That’s incredible...  

 

I’ve definitely lost any remaining faith I’ve had in Western medicine (unless it’s an acute injury/emergency).  It’s very very hard for me to go to doctors.  I’m chalking up this gut stuff to WD.  

[Junglechicken]

54 minutes ago, Cathy4 said:

Wow.  That’s incredible...  

 

I’ve definitely lost any remaining faith I’ve had in Western medicine (unless it’s an acute injury/emergency).  It’s very very hard for me to go to doctors.  I’m chalking up this gut stuff to WD.  

 

Likewise (loss of faith in western medicine), as I think they are barking up the wrong tree!  Agree with you, that they are very good when its acute/emergency.

 

Its the NPs and osteopaths who are ahead of the game.

 

I just found this blog site, discussing histamine intolerance triggered by AD use.  Its probably duplicating information on SA already, but explains the person's own struggle with protracted WD, and after doing some research of their own, In November 2013 I stumbled accidentally across a story from a young man who had taken a Nitric Oxcide (NO) boosting supplement, claiming to increase NO by 950%...his reaction was catastrophic and degenerative and he continued to try drug after drug to make things better...

 

https://iggy131313.blogspot.com/2013/11/toxic-encephalopathy-caused-by-taking.html

 

And the next:

 

In my last post I pointed the finger at Nitric Oxide as being the main culprit for the dreadful, disabling and torturous symptoms experienced during ''protracted withdrawal'' .  On further reading I realize I was unfair to pin all the blame on the one molecule..., NO is what I guess should be called an ACCOMPLICE....It it one of the gang of molecules trying to destroy our brains (and succeeding) but it is not NO alone that causes the damage...

 

https://iggy131313.blogspot.com/