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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, Universe, for continuing to bless me with recovery and health.
Anyone who’s ever suffered from Isaacs’ Syndrome knows that the rare disease makes one so vulnerable in every little aspect.
I contracted a chronic frozen shoulder condition and felt excruciating pain.
In this blog post, I will share my experience with an acute frozen shoulder accompanied by excruciating pain. Let’s find out if it was a symptom of my rare neurological problem, Isaacs’ Syndrome, or something else. I also wish to discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. This post can be helpful if you want to learn some practical tips to overcome and prevent the condition. Also, what possible steps can be taken if a rare neurological condition accompanies this condition?
Understanding Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder also known as adhesive capsulitis is a condition identified by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
The key Symptoms are:
1) Gradual onset of aching pain in the shoulder area.
2) Cramped shoulder movement.
3) Pain and stiffness at night may disrupt sleep.
The key Causes are:
1) Tightening and Inflammation of the capsule around the shoulder joint.
2) Certain risk factors include immobility due to injury or surgery, old age, thyroid, and diabetes.
Diagnosis
1) The doctor performs certain physical examinations to assess the range of motion.
2) Some clinical tests like MRI and X-rays can confirm or rule out the condition.
Available Treatment Options
1) Medicines
2) Procedures like arthroscopy, hydro dilatation, and shoulder manipulation.
3) Physiotherapy and exercises are recommended to improve mobility.
4) To support healing, an anti-inflammatory diet is suggested.
My Struggle with a Frozen Shoulder
In 2016 I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks. Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, and Blood Pressure.
Together, the rare and chronic ailments changed the course of life. It was not something I ever imagined until all this became my reality. And, from then, every little thing mattered, even a mild shoulder pain. It may only be a small disruption for some people, but it turned my life upside down.
The symptoms of a frozen shoulder began slowly and worsened over time. I wish I knew that the persistent pain would only add to challenges, making sleep and overall quality of life deteriorate.
The condition progressed in stages.
It began with a small painful muscle knot in my right shoulder blade and the stabbing pain extended to the neck area. My symptoms progressed over time, and any movement of the right shoulder caused pain. At one point it seemed that my shoulder would stay immobilized for weeks or even months.
My spine and shoulders started to curve forward affecting my posture. Gradually, I could barely turn my head and experienced painful spasms in my neck, weakness in my muscles, and extreme fatigue. Everything including my sleep pattern, diet, and mental health was disturbed.
There was so much happening, the situation made me question every twinge in my body. On one hand, I was faced with the reality that Isaacs’ is a progressive disease that I might live with for the rest of my life. On the other hand, I could not help but wonder how there was no stop to new complexities.
Initially, I tried oral medications including painkillers and muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, acupuncture, the use of a hot water bottle, and epsom salt. A healthy diet, hydration, soft massage, and rest were equally important. I was able to gain back some of the mobility I previously lost and found some pain relief.
However, it was quite time-consuming, and even after the treatments, my symptoms worsened. At times the spasms happened so randomly, that it aggravated stress. Even as simple as staying engaged in conversations drained me completely.
I saw the need to consult an Ayurvedic doctor to cater to this problem from its root.
From the limited range of motion to the constant throbbing pain, the condition did impact my daily life as well.
Exploring the Connection between Frozen Should and Isaacs’ Syndrome
Though frozen shoulder and Isaacs’ syndrome are distinct conditions, both involve the musculoskeletal system.
Isaacs’ syndrome is a rare neuromuscular disorder identified by muscle stiffness and cramps. It also supports muscle twitching and excessive nerve firing. The condition can also affect the autonomic nervous system.
The rare and chronic ailments resulted in severe neuromuscular impairment.
The symptoms of the rare disease were visible and played havoc way before the actual diagnosis was done. The situation made me vulnerable to creating further complications. My notorious symptoms led to a heightened sense of uncertainty. Soon, I developed walking difficulties with an increase in body pain and weakness.
In my experience, a Frozen shoulder made my Neurological condition even worse. It reduced the movement and increased pain. An increase in pain caused reluctance in my shoulder movements which further added to my primary health problem. In both conditions’ stiffness, restricted movement, and pain were the main symptoms.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in case of a frozen shoulder or any neurological issue.
To summarize, both conditions involved muscle-related symptoms. However, their underlying mechanisms and affected body parts are distinct.
Road to Recovery
Dealing with a frozen shoulder was quite challenging with my accompanying health conditions. I took several steps to alleviate my pain and discomfort:
The Do’s
1) Painkillers and anti-inflammation medicines
2) Indulged in therapies like applying a heating pad and oil, physiotherapy, and stretching exercises. Alternative healing remedies like acupuncture and acupressure supported the process of pain management.
3) Took enough rest.
4) I kept my shoulder region warm and away from air-conditioning to improve function.
5) Electrical stimulation
I was prescribed Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy to manage pain. Electrical impulses are sent through the skin to stimulate nerves in this therapy.
As my pain and stiffness were much worse, the doctors decided to use this therapy to improve muscle function. I had a couple of sittings with the therapist and felt short-term relief.
6) I visited my Chiropractor for shoulder manipulation, twice a week.
7) Anti-inflammatory foods
8) For months, I took Ayurvedic therapeutic massages to ease my soft tissues and mobility.
I was asked to incorporate foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, berries, turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Initially, this menu was included as a part of Isaacs’ Syndrome however, the doctors assured it to benefit my shoulder condition as well.
The Don’ts
1) I didn’t sleep on the affected shoulder.
2) Reduced my laptop and jerky physical tasks to prevent more tissue damage.
3) Avoided air-conditioning.
4) Didn’t miss my physical therapies and medicines.
Bottom Line
A frozen shoulder is a painful condition that limits the shoulder’s range of motion. The condition can happen on its own or as a result of an injury, such as a rotator cuff tear, and it usually gets better on its own.
After weeks of enduring the pain and restricted mobility, I consulted my doctor. The painful freezing stage was directed with physical therapies and anti-inflammatory medications.
There is no definitive treatment for a frozen shoulder. Initially, before settling my shoulder stiffness and pain had unpredictable progression.
There are effective ways to eliminate a frozen shoulder, if left untreated, it can impact daily life.
My treatments were tailored, and the doctors considered the causative factors of my rare and other chronic ailments. The initial painful stage was catered with various pain-relief activities. Anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing medicines, therapies, rest, electrical stimulation, and anti-inflammatory foods improved my function.
With constant effort, I could gradually regain my shoulder’s range of motion.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
