What has worked for me:
Starting at 10, decrease at 1 per month to 5. Below 5, decrease at 0.5 per month. I am now at 0.5 until the end of this month, when I go to zero. Amen.
I had my share of non-PMR-level aches and pains during this 15-month period, but handled it with Tylenol and physical therapy, and once below 3, with an occasional 125mg dose of ibuprofen taken with food and an antacid, all with doc’s approval. At this point, the niggling pains have been gone for the last 2 months.
What worked for me may not work for anyone else. Good luck.