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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Starke, FL

I sleep with arms tucked under my pillow and find that when I try to change positions I can hardly straighten it out. It is so painful, like it is stuck. Have any of you had this problem? What do you do about it? Are my muscles really getting that weak?

November 26, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members connected deeply over the frustrating experience of waking with stiff, painful arms that feel locked in position after sleeping with... Read more

Members connected deeply over the frustrating experience of waking with stiff, painful arms that feel locked in position after sleeping with them tucked under pillows, with many describing it as temporary paralysis or feeling like their bodies had turned to stone overnight. Several members shared practical strategies including using heat therapy or hot showers upon waking, sleeping with arms stretched out under another pillow instead of bent, trying different pillow types like travel pillows for neck support, and performing gentle stretches before attempting to move. A recurring theme was that while some members identified specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome that may require medical evaluation, many recognized this as a common fibromyalgia symptom requiring patience, gradual movement, and self-compassion when dealing with the painful process of unlocking joints each morning.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Whoa!! Is somebody seeing me sleep? Lol. This happen to me all the time!! The other morning it was so much pain to unlock my arms. Thought it was just me, good question. You know you are not alone. Stay blessed in Him๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ’œ

November 26, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have problems with straightening my arms or my legs if I keep them bent for a prolonged period of time. I gradually straighten them out dealing with the excruciating pain. My back also becomes very stiff and I am unable to move if I lay on my back for a prolonged period of time. When this happens, I am unable to get out of bed. I also use heat, when I can, on these areas to loosen them up. Most of the time I am unable to get to the heating pad or hot towel and have to deal with straightening up with pain. When I go to bed, I feel as though I almost turn to stone over night. Upon waking, I have to turn back into a person with soft tissue which is a painful process. :-)

November 29, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

My arms and fingers are like that every morning. My arms started going numb as well yesterday morning and if continues will be seeing a doctor this week about it as I can't do anything for 30 mins x

November 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have always slept with my arm under the pillow and developed cubital tunnel syndrome, which is a pinched nerve in the elbow and effects the wrist, pinky and ring fingers and can be felt up to the shoulder. I used a brace for a while and have learned to sleep with my arm stretched out under my husband's pillow or under another pillow on opposite side. There are stretches to do that helps with the pain.

November 26, 2016 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

No it's the fibro, I take it day by day,as one is never the same,trust me,I call it fibro yoga wen constantly trying to find a less agonizing posture. I find a stretch n a hot shower aids relief. I feel like I'm seizing up n need oiling. Blessings to you and ur in my prayers. God bless, JayX

November 26, 2016

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