alcohol induced shoulder pain

[neelin]

There has got to be something to this and I'm thinking it would be a great thesis paper for a graduating medical student!  
I'm 30 and have experienced these symptoms throughout my 'drinking life' every time I consume the slightest amount of alcohol.  I don't drink beer as I can't take the taste but prefer wine coolers or grain alcohol drinks.  I drink rarely, about every other month or two, but when I do it doesn't take long for crippling shoulder pain, yawning, and fatigue to result.  Typically, it only takes about half a glass or bottle for the reaction to begin which is probably around 15-20 minutes from starting to drink.  The symptoms last for 30-45 minutes and then subside and everything is back to normal.  
I'm fine with not consuming alcohol but it would be nice to understand what is happening.  I've questioned a few doctors over the years and no one has any explanations other than some chemical reaction is happening incorrectly or not at all within my body.  
You never know if something so rare, as these symptoms seem to be around the world, you could find the answer to alcohol intolerance, addiction, dependence or death... wish I had the ability to find out.  Maybe someone out there does?!?!?  

[WindyRocksIndy]

I was also starting to think it might be the sugar as it only happens for me with sweet alcoholic beverages

[WindyRocksIndy]

Interesting - this started for me about 8 years ago and only seems to happen with strong fruity drinks. I'm fine with plain beer or wine. I think it happens when I chug the drink because it doesn't taste strong but actually is strong. I thought it was just on an empty stomach but I've had it happen a few times after my meal.  First, my stomach feels a little sick then my shoulders and neck start cramping or feeling pain.

[Signingspazz]

I had a sangria this evening at dinner, and I began having the pain rising to through the chest, into the shoulders, and down the arms to the hands.  My arms were very weak so I could barely bring a glass of water to my lips.  I considered going to the ER because I was in so much discomfort.  My heart rate increases to about 100 bpm and I felt flushed.  After about 20 minutes I began feeling better.

This happens with rum drinks and when I eat certain fruits, like watermelon.  Has been happening for years, but the intensity seems to be greater.

I'm puzzled, but it seems I'm not alone.  Anyone experience this when eating watermelon?

[Rebekka4684]

Debi77 posted something similar regarding watermelons back in Sept 2013.

[mamatoto71]

I've had this since I was 3 or 4 - it's the lemonade in my case (wasn't drinking that early on!)

[Neddvip]

the same thing happens to me also. It happens very randomly only after a few sips of any type of alcohol my shoulders my back start to lock up and I become very nauseous. Upon my own research is that one's body can have an active or inactive allergy to the grain in alcohol and we never know when its active.  I'm not sure how much this is true as I am NOT a medical doctor but I choose not to drink anymore due to the excruciating pain that is caused when I drink. A doctor told me to drink milk 3 hours prior to me wanting to drink I tried this once for a wedding and I had no pain. But unless it's a very special occasion I will not drink.

[KelownaOmi]

I am exactly the same. Had that nearly all my life. Also learned that it is mostly the sugar in alcohol rich drinks. I can drink a wine or beer or a coqnac or a whiskey but not mix it with sugar loaden drinks. Drink it straight or have a soda water on the side.