If the pain is not going away, you might suggest an MRI because this may not be PMR but another complication such as osteoarthritis or a tear in a joint or tendonitis. Prednisone covers up the immediate cause by killing the pain. It is worth it to get a diagnostic test. I am glad I did. I thought I was still dealing with PMR but found out I have tendonitis and osteoarthritis. No more PMR.