Could neck, shoulder, and upper arm pain be related to lupus? Absolutely — this is actually very common with lupus. Nearly 95% of people living with lupus experience some form of joint pain or stiffness, and these symptoms frequently affect the neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
There are a few reasons this pain can occur:
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Could neck, shoulder, and upper arm pain be related to lupus? Absolutely — this is actually very common with lupus. Nearly 95% of people living with lupus experience some form of joint pain or stiffness, and these symptoms frequently affect the neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
There are a few reasons this pain can occur:
- Joint pain (arthritis or arthralgia): Lupus-related inflammation in the joints can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness — especially in the morning
- Muscle pain (myalgia or myositis): Lupus can cause muscle aches or inflammation, particularly in the shoulders and arms
- Tendinitis: Lupus can inflame the tendons connecting muscles to bones, causing soreness and limited movement in the shoulders
- Lupus flares: During a flare, widespread body aches are very common It's also worth knowing that some lupus medications, like corticosteroids, can contribute to muscle weakness, and certain biologics can cause pain in the arms and legs as a side effect.
Some helpful ways to manage this pain include:
- Warm showers in the morning to loosen stiff joints
- Icing sore areas
- Gentle stretching and rest
- Lidocaine patches for muscle soreness (as shared by a MyLupusTeam member)
It's always a good idea to bring these symptoms up with your rheumatologist so they can identify the exact cause and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
June 4
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