MG doesn't directly cause pain like lower back or shoulder blade pain. The hallmark symptom of MG is muscle weakness, not pain itself.
That said, when muscles aren't working properly, the body compensates by shifting how it moves and holds itself up. Over time, this extra strain can lead to aches and pains in areas like the Show Full Answer
MG doesn't directly cause pain like lower back or shoulder blade pain. The hallmark symptom of MG is muscle weakness, not pain itself.
That said, when muscles aren't working properly, the body compensates by shifting how it moves and holds itself up. Over time, this extra strain can lead to aches and pains in areas like the lower back and shoulder blades. There are also a few other MG-related reasons pain might show up:
- Corticosteroids (like prednisone), commonly used to treat MG, can cause joint pain and even weaken bones over time, especially with long-term use
- Muscle weakness changes posture and movement patterns, putting extra pressure on joints and surrounding areas
- Other autoimmune conditions that can occur alongside MG may also contribute to joint or muscle pain
It's worth bringing up any new or worsening pain with your MG specialist. They can help figure out what's driving it and suggest the best way to manage it safely — keeping in mind that some pain medications may not be suitable for people with MG.
October 18