Background: Myotonic dystrophy type 2/proximal myotonic myopathy (DM 2/PROMM) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder characterized by proximal muscle weakness, myotonia and musculoskeletal pain.
Patients and methods: We describe five patients with DM 2/PROMM in whom musculoskeletal pain was the most prominent feature. We used the McGill Pain Questionnaire for standardized pain assessment.
Results: The patients reported multiple types of musculoskeletal pain including tenderness, cold-enhanced and exercise-related musculoskeletal pain. Exercise-induced or -enhanced musculoskeletal pain was indicated as the most disabling feature.
Conclusions: Myotonic dystrophy type 2 should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Family history and laboratory tests provide critical diagnostic clues.