Hi all,
I've been a vegetarian for several months (back on the wagon after 10 years of eating meat) but last week I decided to go vegan. I'm loving it so far, though I'm still very new and haven't yet learns the ins and outs of veganism.

About when I started being a vegan, I woke up with stiff sore muscles around my neck adn shoulders. Though it gets better as the day wears on with exercise and movement, I've been waking up every morning with the same pain. It's not debilitating but certainly uncomfortable.

I'm wondering if maybe it can have something to do with my protein intake. As a vegetarian, I was consuming quite a bit of cheese and some eggs too so my protein intake was much higher (some days around 80-90 gr). However, since switching to veganism, I'm now around 55-60 grams. I know by nutritional guildelines that I'm meeting the minimum requirements for women but I'm still wondering if maybe the drastic decrease in protein has caused my muscles to cramp like this and if it will go away once my body gets used to the new way of eating.

Tam

I have had a cramped neck for the last several days and it's driving me crazy! But I have been vegan for a few years now, so that's not it for me. It is doubtful that the cramping is caused by this. But, any change in diet may need an adjustment period. Now I have heard of cramping due to dehydration.

I doubt it's a protein issue. It's easy as pie to get enough protein.

Here's couple of protein links from the Tip of the Day thread:
http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1171826&postcount=9
http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showpost.php?p=1171835&postcount=11

I second the possibility of dehydration. I've also read that a deficiency of certain minerals can cause cramping, namely calcium and magnesium that I know of. But before you start popping supplements, I suggest you check out the Vegan Food Guide (http://www.nutrispeak.com/veganpyramid.htm), and perhaps try logging your daily food in www.fitday.com or www.nutritiondata.com for a few days to see if you're obviously low in anything.

Take note on what you do when you're on the phone. Do you hold it with your head and shoulder while your hands do something else? If so stop. This will pinch a nerve that will cause the symptoms that you've decribed here (neck and shoulder stiffness/pain).

Also, check the weight of your purse. If it's heavy and you wear it on your shoulder with a shoulder strap you'll get the same syptoms.Opt for a purse with a shorter strap/handle that can be carried. Or else find a way to get the weight out of the purse with the shoulder strap.

In my opinion diet wouldn't be the culprit. And dehydration will first cause charlie horses in your leg muscles, not typically pain/stiffness in your shoulder and neck area.

Good Luck.

About when I started being a vegan, I woke up with stiff sore muscles around my neck adn shoulders. Though it gets better as the day wears on with exercise and movement, I've been waking up every morning with the same pain. It's not debilitating but certainly uncomfortable.

I'm wondering if maybe it can have something to do with my protein intake.

I have to eat a banana a day or I'm subject to leg cramps. It's not likely that your problem is related to diet - why would neck and shoulders only be targeted? It may be that you slept crooked one night (it happens to all of us) and have had a slow recovery period. Good luck! :guitar:

Maybe you need new pillows?

check your magnesium, calcium and potassium levels sweetie

I used to suffer from daily muscle cramps in my neck and legs for years, but I haven't had any since going vegan nearly a year and a half ago. :)

That's what I love about this board - so many nice people always respond :D.

The aches have almost gone away, so obviously it wasn't my diet. I'm thinking it was the weather - 100 degree Texas heat so I've been sleeping with a fan over me and the air conditioning. Maybe my muscles just "caught cold" or something...

Tesseract, thank you for the protein links. I know that's a huge myth about veganism (and one I'll have to deal with when I tell my family I've gone vegan) and I'll check them out. I've used Fitday on and off but I'm trying to stay away from it because I get too obsessed with the numbers (like calories and things) and I find I eat healthier without stressing about it.

And, yep, I'm taking a ton of vitamins and have been for years (including a mag/cal suppliment)...

Tam

If you wake up in the middle of the night with cramped calve muscles, then it means you might be lacking calcium.

^ I had problems with that as a kid- if I had a couple of days that were spectacularily lacking in calcium, bam, cramped calves. Is there any chance that this was your problem?

I'm glad you're feeling better, though :)

I agree with Beccybooo-- I was going to suggest more magnesium-- I take a fizzy Magnesium drink-- it really relaxes the muscles.

Come to think of it, I used to be very prone to severe calf cramps when I woke up in the morning, but I haven't had that problem since I went veg-- probably because I've been eating healthier and paying more attention to my nutrient profile.

I'm vegetarian and I've found that when I don't have enough protein, I get back pains. I tried to figure out what else could cause it, but it always came back to not having enough protein for a few days in a row. *shrugs*