Before I was diagnosed with PMR and began taking prednisone, I tried a number of things including massage and acupuncture. Massage was good for about 10 minutes of relief. I had 3 acupuncture sessions. The first two gave some relief for a few hours but not what I needed. The 3rd treatment left me in worse shape than when I started. Thankfully I was finally diagnosed with PMR shortly after the 3rd treatment and began taking prednisone. Sure, there are/can be side effects from prednisone but it gave me back my life. No, I'm not at the level I once was but I have a decent quality of life and few limitations. Prior to prednisone I was almost limited to staying home and no longer working at all. You have to get the underlying inflammation under control and I don't see how massage or acupuncture can accomplish it. Obviously I am a big fan of prednisone. It's easy for those who haven't dealt with PMR to suggest all sorts of alternatives. My well meaning wife, friends and relatives all did the same, but they couldn't truly understand what a person with PMR was dealing with.
I am in agreement, before being diagnosed I had all my well meaning fam and friends suggesting a melting pot of everything under the sun to fix me. Yoga/stretches,( I tired and could no longer hold a down dog pose), chiropractors, I tried 2, massage and cupping, left me in more pain than before I tired. Acupuncture, needles hurt me and left me in the same shape, reiki, why not?! everyone was amazed by my range of motion which had always been good, but I was in an unbelievable amount of pain. I also tried aleve, CBD’s /CBD creams aspercream,bio freeze, and gummy’s to sleep did not help at all. Prednisone was my only relief!! the minute I took it I was ‘normal’ again. I was 57 healthy and active when this began and it was coming out of the pandemic when you couldn’t get into a doctor. I went undiagnosed for 7 months of hell trying to get into a real doc to help me. I have a wonderful rheumatologist now. I recently tried kevzara and am not tolerating it I am having bad injection site irritation so will be stopping after 5 attempts. It has allowed me to taper to 4 mg and counting down on pred. I felt like me again last week for the first time in a long time. Despite various rashes and skin issues. It was a great week! I am hopeful I can continue to taper down the pred and get to remission. It was my 2nd anniversary with PMR this Jan. I pray it is my last.
Just before diagnosed I used traditional massage, Trager massage, regular PT and a naprapath as well as Chiropractor. While all helped somewhat here and there overall I was disappointed. I also tried all types of pain ointments. Nothing worked. I did get some relief from serrapeptase as well as hbot and a pemf mat. I currently use hbot and the pemf mat extensively along with the prednisone to keep the dose down and heal more quickly I hope. I think they help.
Before I was diagnosed with PMR and began taking prednisone, I tried a number of things including massage and acupuncture. Massage was good for about 10 minutes of relief. I had 3 acupuncture sessions. The first two gave some relief for a few hours but not what I needed. The 3rd treatment left me in worse shape than when I started. Thankfully I was finally diagnosed with PMR shortly after the 3rd treatment and began taking prednisone. Sure, there are/can be side effects from prednisone but it gave me back my life. No, I'm not at the level I once was but I have a decent quality of life and few limitations. Prior to prednisone I was almost limited to staying home and no longer working at all. You have to get the underlying inflammation under control and I don't see how massage or acupuncture can accomplish it. Obviously I am a big fan of prednisone. It's easy for those who haven't dealt with PMR to suggest all sorts of alternatives. My well meaning wife, friends and relatives all did the same, but they couldn't truly understand what a person with PMR was dealing with.
Yes, I was the same. Tried everything including non-THC cabinoid patches. They helped me sleep for two nights then no effect. Prednisone gave me back my life. I could barely move. However, I put on weight and so then made sure my diet and exercise continued to enable me to get off after 12 months. It’s been 3 months since I finished and I have residual pain but manageable. The pain in my hips has gone - after two months - and my arms and shoulders are better but that is the worst spot. In the morning and after sitting and it’s so easy to overdo things and be very fatigued the next day. Finding a balance and be optimistic that it is going in the right direction helps me stay positive about it. I’m lucky I know after reading some people are on prednisone for years but I had no other underlying health issues so I think that helped. I’m 73.
Friends without PMR have suggested I try acupuncture and/or massage to decrease my pain. Have any of you tried these alternatives to meds or in addition to meds?
I have used massage…which is lovely. And reiki. But also tapering off prednisone. My complimentary choices have been eating gluten free, exercising daily, and flax seed oil.
Friends without PMR have suggested I try acupuncture and/or massage to decrease my pain. Have any of you tried these alternatives to meds or in addition to meds?
Hi yes I tried both pre-diagnosis the massage actually hurt me more afterwards. It was so strange I knew something was way wrong as this was not the norm after a wonderful massage. I was active and healthy and in my 50’s I tried cupping and reiki as well, I was desperate for relief nothing helped me but prednisone.
I have my first appointment this next week. I was told this acupuncturist has helped several people with PMR.
I have no inflammation, but I still experience awful pain.
I eat only meat, doing the carnivore diet to see if this help. Well, the inflammation is gone...
My doctor, Rheumatologist, doesn't have any answers for me, so I'm not going to sit home, and do nothing about this pain! Prednisone is not an option for me.
I have my first appointment this next week. I was told this acupuncturist has helped several people with PMR.
I have no inflammation, but I still experience awful pain.
I eat only meat, doing the carnivore diet to see if this help. Well, the inflammation is gone...
My doctor, Rheumatologist, doesn't have any answers for me, so I'm not going to sit home, and do nothing about this pain! Prednisone is not an option for me.
Hello @adrigibby, It's good to hear that you have been able to change your diet to help with inflammation. You will notice that we moved your post into an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can read what others have shared about acupuncture for PMR. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Acupuncture and PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acupuncture-and-pmr/
Hello @adrigibby, It's good to hear that you have been able to change your diet to help with inflammation. You will notice that we moved your post into an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can read what others have shared about acupuncture for PMR. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Acupuncture and PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acupuncture-and-pmr/
I have not talked to my rheumatologist about an alternative to prednisone and she did not suggested anything. Pretty much she said there is no cure for what you have but there is Prednisone and have read enough testimonies from people saying stay away from this awful drug.
I'll check the discussions on alternative to Prednisone. thank you!
I have not talked to my rheumatologist about an alternative to prednisone and she did not suggested anything. Pretty much she said there is no cure for what you have but there is Prednisone and have read enough testimonies from people saying stay away from this awful drug.
I'll check the discussions on alternative to Prednisone. thank you!
This "awful drug" has saved my life. I was in such excruciating pain that I thought I'd never be able to do anything again. I was in a very dark place.
My PCP diagnosed PMR quickly and 4 hours after my 1st dose of Prednisone, I felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. So please, don't be so quick to say how horrible the Devil's Tic Tacs are.
I've tapered from 20mg to 8.5mg in 6 months and still have aches and pains, but they are completely tolerable.
Yoga, swimming, and acupuncture help tremendously. I hope to be off Prednisone in another 6 months. Meanwhile, the side effects are minimal.
Red meat is considered inflammatory, I quit eating it along with other inflammatory foods. Sounds like my diet is the opposite of yours. Is the carnivore diet a bit boring? I can't imagine not being able to eat fruit and vegetables. Whatever works, right?
Good luck with the pain. I for one will be eternally grateful for Prednisone.
This "awful drug" has saved my life. I was in such excruciating pain that I thought I'd never be able to do anything again. I was in a very dark place.
My PCP diagnosed PMR quickly and 4 hours after my 1st dose of Prednisone, I felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. So please, don't be so quick to say how horrible the Devil's Tic Tacs are.
I've tapered from 20mg to 8.5mg in 6 months and still have aches and pains, but they are completely tolerable.
Yoga, swimming, and acupuncture help tremendously. I hope to be off Prednisone in another 6 months. Meanwhile, the side effects are minimal.
Red meat is considered inflammatory, I quit eating it along with other inflammatory foods. Sounds like my diet is the opposite of yours. Is the carnivore diet a bit boring? I can't imagine not being able to eat fruit and vegetables. Whatever works, right?
Good luck with the pain. I for one will be eternally grateful for Prednisone.
Hi and thanks for your response... I'm looking to read the many opinions out there of how to solve this awful debilitating problem.
I have read hundreds of opinions from Prednisone users, and you are the third one that has a positive review.
The carnivore diet is not boring, first I love meat and second I'm never hungry because 80% of the diet is animal fat and 20 % is protein. I eat around 1600 calories once a day so I also do internment fasting that is so good for the system.
I started this way of eating to reduce inflammation and it did, but also, before I started, I had many gut issues and they're all gone, from acid reflux to fatty liver to pain on both sides of my stomach. all this is a thing of the past. In 3 months I lost all the weight, 20 pounds, I still need to lose 6 more. When I don't want to lose fast all I have to do is have more protein than fat and the weight loss stops. I do realize that meat adds acidity to the body and this is not what I want.
I was not planning to eat this way for the rest of my life. There are some autoimmune disorders that takes longer to go away ..after going 0 carb. I will eat like this way another 3/4 months and see what happens.
I'm asking my doc if is ok to use prednisone when there is no longer inflammation, since this drug is to lower it, what happens to the body if we use it when the inflammation is gone. Waiting for her call.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment on your experience. I'm glad to hear it has helped you! This pain is awful.
One more thing I need to add in case it helps someone, after eating 0 carb, I still have pain BUT when I have cheated (and I did this twice) with refined sugars, the pain triples.
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I am in agreement, before being diagnosed I had all my well meaning fam and friends suggesting a melting pot of everything under the sun to fix me. Yoga/stretches,( I tired and could no longer hold a down dog pose), chiropractors, I tried 2, massage and cupping, left me in more pain than before I tired. Acupuncture, needles hurt me and left me in the same shape, reiki, why not?! everyone was amazed by my range of motion which had always been good, but I was in an unbelievable amount of pain. I also tried aleve, CBD’s /CBD creams aspercream,bio freeze, and gummy’s to sleep did not help at all. Prednisone was my only relief!! the minute I took it I was ‘normal’ again. I was 57 healthy and active when this began and it was coming out of the pandemic when you couldn’t get into a doctor. I went undiagnosed for 7 months of hell trying to get into a real doc to help me. I have a wonderful rheumatologist now. I recently tried kevzara and am not tolerating it I am having bad injection site irritation so will be stopping after 5 attempts. It has allowed me to taper to 4 mg and counting down on pred. I felt like me again last week for the first time in a long time. Despite various rashes and skin issues. It was a great week! I am hopeful I can continue to taper down the pred and get to remission. It was my 2nd anniversary with PMR this Jan. I pray it is my last.
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5 ReactionsI don’t know what not or penf are
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1 ReactionYes, I was the same. Tried everything including non-THC cabinoid patches. They helped me sleep for two nights then no effect. Prednisone gave me back my life. I could barely move. However, I put on weight and so then made sure my diet and exercise continued to enable me to get off after 12 months. It’s been 3 months since I finished and I have residual pain but manageable. The pain in my hips has gone - after two months - and my arms and shoulders are better but that is the worst spot. In the morning and after sitting and it’s so easy to overdo things and be very fatigued the next day. Finding a balance and be optimistic that it is going in the right direction helps me stay positive about it. I’m lucky I know after reading some people are on prednisone for years but I had no other underlying health issues so I think that helped. I’m 73.
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2 ReactionsI have used massage…which is lovely. And reiki. But also tapering off prednisone. My complimentary choices have been eating gluten free, exercising daily, and flax seed oil.
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3 ReactionsHi yes I tried both pre-diagnosis the massage actually hurt me more afterwards. It was so strange I knew something was way wrong as this was not the norm after a wonderful massage. I was active and healthy and in my 50’s I tried cupping and reiki as well, I was desperate for relief nothing helped me but prednisone.
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Helpful -
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4 ReactionsI have my first appointment this next week. I was told this acupuncturist has helped several people with PMR.
I have no inflammation, but I still experience awful pain.
I eat only meat, doing the carnivore diet to see if this help. Well, the inflammation is gone...
My doctor, Rheumatologist, doesn't have any answers for me, so I'm not going to sit home, and do nothing about this pain! Prednisone is not an option for me.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @adrigibby, It's good to hear that you have been able to change your diet to help with inflammation. You will notice that we moved your post into an existing discussion on the same topic so that you can read what others have shared about acupuncture for PMR. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Acupuncture and PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acupuncture-and-pmr/
You mentioned that prednisone is not an option for you. There is a discussion on alternatives that you might find helpful.
-- PMR: Are there treatment alternatives to Prednisone?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-to-prednisone/
Have you talked with the rheumatologist to see if he has any suggestions for alternatives to prednisone?
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1 ReactionThank you!!
I have not talked to my rheumatologist about an alternative to prednisone and she did not suggested anything. Pretty much she said there is no cure for what you have but there is Prednisone and have read enough testimonies from people saying stay away from this awful drug.
I'll check the discussions on alternative to Prednisone. thank you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThis "awful drug" has saved my life. I was in such excruciating pain that I thought I'd never be able to do anything again. I was in a very dark place.
My PCP diagnosed PMR quickly and 4 hours after my 1st dose of Prednisone, I felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. So please, don't be so quick to say how horrible the Devil's Tic Tacs are.
I've tapered from 20mg to 8.5mg in 6 months and still have aches and pains, but they are completely tolerable.
Yoga, swimming, and acupuncture help tremendously. I hope to be off Prednisone in another 6 months. Meanwhile, the side effects are minimal.
Red meat is considered inflammatory, I quit eating it along with other inflammatory foods. Sounds like my diet is the opposite of yours. Is the carnivore diet a bit boring? I can't imagine not being able to eat fruit and vegetables. Whatever works, right?
Good luck with the pain. I for one will be eternally grateful for Prednisone.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi and thanks for your response... I'm looking to read the many opinions out there of how to solve this awful debilitating problem.
I have read hundreds of opinions from Prednisone users, and you are the third one that has a positive review.
The carnivore diet is not boring, first I love meat and second I'm never hungry because 80% of the diet is animal fat and 20 % is protein. I eat around 1600 calories once a day so I also do internment fasting that is so good for the system.
I started this way of eating to reduce inflammation and it did, but also, before I started, I had many gut issues and they're all gone, from acid reflux to fatty liver to pain on both sides of my stomach. all this is a thing of the past. In 3 months I lost all the weight, 20 pounds, I still need to lose 6 more. When I don't want to lose fast all I have to do is have more protein than fat and the weight loss stops. I do realize that meat adds acidity to the body and this is not what I want.
I was not planning to eat this way for the rest of my life. There are some autoimmune disorders that takes longer to go away ..after going 0 carb. I will eat like this way another 3/4 months and see what happens.
I'm asking my doc if is ok to use prednisone when there is no longer inflammation, since this drug is to lower it, what happens to the body if we use it when the inflammation is gone. Waiting for her call.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment on your experience. I'm glad to hear it has helped you! This pain is awful.
One more thing I need to add in case it helps someone, after eating 0 carb, I still have pain BUT when I have cheated (and I did this twice) with refined sugars, the pain triples.
Have a great day!
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