Relieving Shoulder and Neck Stiffness After Breast Cancer Treatment

Shoulder and neck stiffness caused by medication?

Hello Dr.
Lee, my mother is in stage I breast cancer and only four lymph nodes were examined.
She does not require chemotherapy and has completed radiation therapy two months ago.
She has been taking about five months of post-operative medication.
In the past two weeks, she has started experiencing stiffness in her shoulders and neck, which I suspect may be a side effect.
Since her follow-up appointment is still some time away at the end of June, could you please recommend some exercises to help alleviate this condition? Thank you!

E, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/19

Dr. Li Yanheng reply Rehabilitation

It is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment to determine whether it is a confirmed drug reaction.
Additionally, please assess if your mother has any specific exercise restrictions, as we are unable to evaluate the patient in person to understand her details.
After that, we can consider the exercise issues.

Reply Date: 2022/05/19

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your mother's shoulder and neck stiffness following her breast cancer treatment. It's not uncommon for patients to experience stiffness in these areas after surgery or radiation therapy, and it's great that you're seeking ways to help alleviate her discomfort.

Understanding the Cause of Stiffness
Shoulder and neck stiffness can arise from several factors related to breast cancer treatment, including:
1. Surgical Impact: Even with a limited lymph node dissection, surgery can lead to changes in muscle and tissue that may result in stiffness.

2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation can cause inflammation and fibrosis in the treated area, leading to tightness and discomfort.

3. Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including hormonal therapies like the one your mother is taking (likely aromatase inhibitors), can contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms.

Recommended Exercises
To help relieve shoulder and neck stiffness, consider incorporating the following exercises into her routine. It's essential to ensure that she performs these movements gently and within a comfortable range of motion. If any exercise causes pain, she should stop immediately and consult her healthcare provider.

1. Neck Stretch:
- Sit or stand comfortably.

- Slowly tilt the head to one side, bringing the ear toward the shoulder.

- Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

- Perform this stretch 2-3 times on each side.

2. Shoulder Rolls:
- Sit or stand with arms relaxed at the sides.

- Roll the shoulders forward in a circular motion for 10 repetitions.

- Then roll the shoulders backward for another 10 repetitions.

3. Chest Opener:
- Stand or sit up straight.

- Clasp hands behind the back and gently pull the shoulders back while lifting the chest.

- Hold for 15-30 seconds and release. Repeat 2-3 times.

4. Wall Angels:
- Stand with the back against a wall, feet a few inches away from the wall.

- Press the lower back, head, and arms against the wall.

- Slowly slide the arms up and down the wall, keeping them in contact with the wall.

- Repeat 10 times.

5. Gentle Shoulder Stretch:
- Bring one arm across the body at shoulder height.

- Use the opposite hand to gently pull the arm closer to the chest.

- Hold for 15-30 seconds and switch sides.

Additional Tips
- Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the neck and shoulders can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow.

- Hydration: Ensure she stays well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate muscle stiffness.

- Physical Therapy: If stiffness persists or worsens, consider consulting a physical therapist who specializes in oncology rehabilitation. They can provide tailored exercises and manual therapy techniques.

Monitoring and Follow-Up
Since your mother is due for a follow-up appointment in June, it would be wise to discuss her symptoms with her healthcare provider. They may want to evaluate her condition further and adjust her treatment plan if necessary.

In conclusion, while shoulder and neck stiffness can be a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, incorporating gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can significantly help alleviate discomfort. Always encourage your mother to listen to her body and consult her healthcare team with any concerns.

Wishing your mother a smooth recovery and improved comfort.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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