Pain is a symptom which commonly affects people with Parkinson’s. There are many reasons why people might experience pain. Understanding causes of pain can help identify which treatments might be most helpful.

The most common types of pain experienced by people with Parkinson’s are:

• Muscle pains – aching due to rigidity and reduced movement of the joints and muscles. It can affect any part of the body. It can often affect one shoulder or the neck or back. Simple painkillers, regular exercise, stretches and physiotherapy can help.
• Dystonia – Some people experience painful involuntary muscle contractions. The muscles can spasm resulting in a severe cramp. These spasms can cause twisting movements or uncomfortable positioning of different parts of the body. These often affect the limbs. Talk to your Parkinson’s specialist if this is a problem.
• Shooting pains – these can feel like sharp, shock-like pains in the arms and legs. They can be caused by stretching or compression of nerves. Speak to the GP about this sort of pain. Usually, simple painkillers and gentle exercise can help.
• Central pain – this is not well understood. It is often described as a stabbing, burning or bloated feeling in various parts of the body. It is made worse by touch, movement, and changes in emotion and room temperature. Sometimes it can respond to adjustments in Parkinson’s medication, sometimes painkillers or other medications can help. Other therapies (e.g. Clinical Psychology) can often help with pain management.  Speak to the Parkinson’s specialist team about this.

Exercise

Undertaking regular physical exercise helps keep you strong, keeps your balance well trained and is proven to help with mobility and movement symptoms of Parkinson’s. Keeping your muscles moving helps prevent pain associated with stiffness. It is best to start with gentle exercises. See the EXERCISE SECTION for more information.

Adapted from PDUK leaflet on Pain in Parkinson’s. INFOS0027_Pain in Parkinson’s_FINAL_WEB.pdf