OpenHealth Q&A

Experiencing Muscle Weakness: A Personal Journey

I am a 36-year-old male experiencing significant muscle weakness and pain. In May 2021, while lifting a garbage can with my right arm in a shrug-like motion, I suddenly felt discomfort and weakness around my right shoulder blade, shoulder, and collarbone. Shortly after, distinct popping and clicking sounds started to emanate from my shoulder. Seeking answers, I went to see an orthopedic specialist. He conducted X-rays on both shoulders and informed me that there were no abnormalities. He dismissed my concerns about the popping and clicking as inconsequential. When I mentioned neck pain, he indicated that it was outside his expertise. He categorized my symptoms as bilateral shoulder and neck pain and directed me towards physical therapy. The following day, as I adjusted in my desk chair by leaning heavily on the left armrest, I experienced a tightening in my shoulder. This resulted in extreme weakness in my left arm, leading to similar popping and clicking noises. When I reported this incident to the orthopedic office, the physician assistant advised me that the doctor would not see me again for such a minor issue and recommended I pursue physical therapy. If weaknesses persisted, she suggested a neurology consultation. During a follow-up visit to my primary care physician, I explained the situation. He appeared unconcerned and the blood tests returned normal results. In the summer of 2021, I began physical therapy where the therapist diagnosed a strain in my trapezius and rhomboid muscles. The subsequent sessions consisted of rigorous exercises and stretches that only exacerbated my pain without restoring any strength or stability. I often felt as though the equipment would cause severe damage to my arms. I repeatedly inquired if my condition could be a result of a tear or nerve issue, but the therapist assured me it was not. Fed up with the lack of progress, I decided to discontinue my sessions after the tenth visit. In April 2022, I consulted a neurologist. Struggling to lift myself onto the exam table without assistance, I resorted to using a stool. He concluded that he did not believe the problem was neurological and declined to conduct further testing, like an EMG. This experience left me feeling disheartened, and I did not seek further medical help for some time. On April 9, 2025, I inadvertently stumbled down a set of stairs, catching my right heel, which caused me to land hard in a tiptoe stance. I did not observe any swelling or bruises initially, but I soon experienced persistent pain and weakness in my toes and the inside arch of my foot. On April 13, 2025, while subconsciously stretching my left toes, I felt an immediate onset of the same pain and weakness I had noticed in my right foot—with neither swelling nor bruising. Since then, I have struggled with reduced strength across both feet, particularly my big toes, which now feel limp. In July 2025, during a hair wash at a salon, I held my neck in an awkward position and felt a burning sensation. Regrettably, I didn’t express my discomfort and suffered through it, which ultimately led to pain and dizziness. I noticed weakness taking hold of the muscles in the front of my neck beneath my chin. It seemed as if the flesh around my chin had started to sag, and my cheeks lost their firmness, easily yielding when pressed. In January 2026, I purchased a new controller for my laptop after not having played video games for some time. Initially, it felt fine, but soon my hands and forearms began to ache, leading to increasing discomfort. It became unbearable, and I ultimately gave up on using the controller, feeling as though my energy was being drained from my hands. By February 3, 2026, while sitting at my laptop, I noticed a peculiar sensation when I moved my eyes. My eyelid muscles felt weak, and my response to bright lights had diminished significantly. I'm planning to revisit my primary care physician, but I'm uncertain how to articulate my myriad of symptoms to receive the appropriate attention. My parents have taken on the responsibility of assisting me with daily tasks, as I struggle to drive, open doors, lift even light objects, or raise my arms overhead.

Answers (1)

2/15/2026, 8:01:06 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you're experiencing significant muscle weakness and pain, which is understandably distressing given the history and variety of symptoms you've described. Let's address your concerns clearly and constructively.

Main Points:

1. You have a history of muscle weakness and discomfort, originating in your shoulder and now affecting multiple areas.
2. Despite medical evaluations and physical therapy, your symptoms have persisted or worsened.
3. It’s essential to communicate effectively with your primary care physician to receive further assistance and possibly a new approach to diagnose your condition.

Explanation:

Muscle weakness and joint discomfort can stem from various causes, including previous injuries, nerve issues, or conditions affecting muscle function. Given your experiences with physical therapy, neurologist evaluations, and the persistence of symptoms despite normal blood tests, it's crucial to advocate for yourself in your upcoming appointment with your primary care physician.

Next Steps:

1. Prepare Your Symptom History:

   • Write down all your symptoms with their onset dates, progression, and how they affect your daily life (e.g., difficulty lifting objects, weakness in your toes, etc.).
   • Highlight any changes over time, including new symptoms like the eyelid muscle weakness and increased discomfort related to activities.

2. List Your Concerns:

   • Clearly express your worries about potential underlying issues (like nerve entrapment, muscular disorders, or other systemic problems) that haven’t been fully explored.
   • Mention your experiences during physical therapy and neurologist visits, emphasizing the lack of progress and thorough investigation.

3. Request Specific Evaluations:

   • Ask if additional tests, such as an EMG (electromyography) or imaging studies (like an MRI), would be appropriate to rule out any structural or nerve-related issues.
   • Consider asking for a referral to a specialized rheumatologist or a sports medicine specialist if musculoskeletal conditions are suspected.

4. Keep a Symptom Diary:

   • Document daily changes in weakness, pain, and any aggravating factors or relief measures. This record can help your physician understand the severity and fluctuations of your condition.

Empathy & Reassurance:

It’s important to reassure you that you are not alone in this journey. Seeking further evaluation is a strong step toward finding the answers and support you need. Remember, it’s okay to advocate for your health and seek the explanations you feel are necessary. If you feel pressured or dismissed again, consider bringing a supportive family member or friend to the appointment who can help communicate your concerns and ensure your voice is heard.

Let me know how it goes or if you have more questions before your appointment!