[Malcolm Swift]

Totally agree that low back pain often associated with neck pain is a common PD issue. I use stretching and other physical exercise designed to make the spine and joints more mobile. It eases but never eliminates the pain. I have an excellent Physiotherapist. I sleep on a memory foam mattress and have a variety of pillows for differing levels of pain in differing postures. I resort to paracetamol sometimes (avoid ibuprofen!). It is manageable at present. I have no idea how to deal with a worsening except by medication. I guess pragmatism is the way forward. I don’t think this helps to answer the question but at least you know that you are not alone in being a PwPaabb (Person with Parkinson’s and a bad back).

[Malcolm Swift]

Could someone tell me what is the point of this thread and the purpose of the question? If it is about “sharing’ it does not interest me and I do not court sympathy. If there is a genuine research purpose I can make a significant contribution but I am not doing it otherwise

[Malcolm Swift]

I have had a very similar experience without the depression. Pacemaker followed by Covid followed by fatigue and worsening of symptoms. Sleep problems ensued. Symptoms in abeyance returned. Main difference is that I am on Rasagiline, Ropinirole and co-Careldopa and I am being advised to add Amantadine to recover lost ground. I am undecided on that as I think exercise will help more. I take strenuous exercise, a variety of vitamins and probiotics and so forth. I don’t think I would have been as fit as I was before Covid without the medication. I believe (and am strongly advised) the Rasagiline should not be stopped. I dont see how anyone with your fathers symptoms can have a liveable life without L-dopa. But its an individual choice. Sleep is difficult but I avoid stimulants after noon. I tire myself out and use a hybrid memory foam type mattress because  of the susceptibility to back issues appearing again and its good for sleep. Can’t help with depression. Try other routes first. Treating depression is a road lined with pitfalls.