A long list of medications were tried. I started with 40 mg of Prednisone and NSAIDS were used sparingly as needed. Celebrex was said to cause the least amount of GI problems but then they said that wasn't true and NSAIDS were completely stopped. Methotrexate was then used as my first DMARD followed by Leflunomide.

I was also being treated for trigeminal neuralgia and every neuropathic pain medication under the sun was used. I hated all of them and they just made things worse. Neuroleptics drugs included Lyrica , Dilantin, Tegretol and Neurontin.

When severe spinal stenosis was discovered, muscle relaxants were used and I found Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) to be helpful.

Ultimately, Actemra (IL-6 inhibitor) got me off Prednisone after more than 12 years. Humira (TNF-inhibitor) wasn't any help for PMR but might work for inflammatory arthritis.

I currently don't take Prednisone or anything else for pain. I just do a monthly infusion of Actemra (tocilizumab). My PCP recently asked me if I needed anything for pain. When I said nothing other than Actemra. she said Actemra was NOT a pain medication! She said Actemra treated "inflammation" and if I needed anything for "pain" to let her know.

@sharon44r I have only tried prednisone so far. On it for a little more than one month, 20 mg / day. Not super effective.