Any tendonitis linked to OSA?

WifeIsHappyNow · Post by **WifeIsHappyNow** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:47 pm

Has anyone ever heard of or had tendonitis or other joint pain/connective tissue problems that are related to OSA?

I've been having some pain in my shoulders that is similar to tendonitis but the pain gradually worsens over a 12-24 hour period until it is pretty severe, but then goes away in another 12 hours or so. It happens ~once a month and has happened with both shoulders. Its been happening for about a year now, which included time prior to my CPAP treatment.

I'm getting desperate as to what it could be as the Docs don't seem to have any ideas...

Ya'll seem to have answers for everything else, so I figured I'd ask about this as well to see if there are any ideas...

Thanks!

linda b · Post by **linda b** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:40 pm

I assume the doctors ruled out bulging or ruptured disk(s) or bone spurs in your neck? Both can put pressure on nerves that go over the shoulders and down the arm to the fingertips and can be quite excruciating. Also arthritis or bursitis could be the culprit. Other than these possibilities, I don't have any other ideas. Since you mentioned the pain prior to therapy, I would doubt there is any relationship. Keep us posted if you find out what is causing the problem.

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:43 am

Time spent in apnea episodes causes your body to produce certain hormones (adrenalin, cortisol) and their precursors (eicosanoids) in excess quantities. These hormones are known to cause inflammation in many cases. Tendonitis is a type of inflammation, so there is a possible connection with apnea. See your doctor.

ZZZzzz · Post by **ZZZzzz** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:04 am

Muscular problems was the MAJOR complaint I took to my doctors before I discovered I had OSA. She did blood tests to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.
Also, on my list of symptoms for her was 'bursitis in my foot' which I never had. I know OSA affected my back health and walking gait from bad posture and sleepy slouching.
Intersting: "80% of people with fibromyalgia suffer from Sleep Apnea.."

WifeIsHappyNow · Post by **WifeIsHappyNow** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:58 pm

Thanks for the replies. They've given me several new avenues to look into...

I did have an x-ray and an MRI done, both of which showed nothing unusual.

linda b wrote:Since you mentioned the pain prior to therapy, I would doubt there is any relationship.

I agree there is probably no link to CPAP, but was wondering if there could be a link to sleep apnea.

rooster wrote:Tendonitis is a type of inflammation, so there is a possible connection with apnea.

Very interesting. This sounds like a good reason to get a new prescription for a machine with better reporting capabilities...since I didn't know any better when I started.

Mike

cpaprookie · Post by **cpaprookie** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:01 pm

my joint pain seemed to fade away after i started cpap therapy...

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:02 pm

It seems to me that my neck and upper back pain are occurring more frequently, but I attribute that to my sleeping position. I have to be careful to position myself a bit more precisely on the pillow or else I have small leaks. It seems that I am in a good position when I fall asleep, but may unconsciously re-position myself awkwardly while sleeping.

It also may be that I sleep more soundly and move less frequently. Thus, the "frozen" position may be causing some of the pain.

If this makes any sense to you, then GREAT--but, if not, I hope you figure something out because that pain is not enjoyable by any means.

Best wishes,

Karen

Any tendonitis linked to OSA?

Any tendonitis linked to OSA?

muscle aches, pain, discomfort