When you think of Parkinson’s, we mostly think tremor. The cardinal features of parkinsonism include resting tremor, slowness, postural instability, and rigidity.
Neurologists often neglect the signs and symptoms associated with rigidity, which is defined by increased muscle tone throughout a muscle group. This can result in decreased range of motion, walking changes, and even pain.
Rigidity is unlike normal stiffness that improves with stretching or movement. This can manifest as decreased arm swing, stooped posture, pain, difficulty turning in bed, or trouble with dexterity, such as buttoning buttons. Some people even describe rigidity as “weakness” or “heaviness,” which can be confusing.
Tips for Managing Rigidity
Managing these symptoms is typically centered around timing and adjusting medications, but you can also help yourself by:
- Regularly exercising
- Stretching
- Doing yoga
- Physical therapy
- And monitoring or recognizing these symptoms to see if they correlate with your off periods.
Don’t ignore rigidity symptoms, as neglect can result in downstream consequences, such as worsening back pain with stooped posture, fatigue, increased anxiety, or even a frozen shoulder.
On a positive note, this is a very treatable symptom, and you can get better, so please talk to your neurologist if you experience these symptoms.
Submit a Question to Dr. Krause
Dr. Erik Krause, DO, is a neurologist with Ascension Medical Group Seton Neurology in Austin, TX. Dr. Krause is board-certified in Neurology with additional fellowship training and specialized care for patients with movement disorders. He provides care for patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor, myoclonus, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, tics, ataxia, etc. He is trained in deep brain stimulation (DBS) programming and botulinum toxin injections. When not caring for patients, Dr. Krause enjoys traveling, exercising, sports, and spending time with family.