@franklinlala Lowest possible dose might not be the best phrase. Lowest effective dose is better. People have different opinions about whether they should take more prednisone and have less pain or vice versa. Personally, I lived with undiagnosed PMR for a year and undiagnosed GCA for 5 months, and I had a bad quality of life during that time. I was in a lot of pain, had trouble dressing, driving, etc. I haven't had any symptoms since I started treatment more than a year and a half ago. So I prefer not having any pain. But I know that some people never get complete relief even when they are receiving treatment.

Here is a thread I found that deals with how much pain people should tolerate as they are being treated - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-much-pain-to-tolerate/ There are probably other threads if you search.

@franklinlala I like jeff97 answer. Prednisone or as its called the devils tic tac does its job at reducing inflammation and reducing your immune system. I unfortunately watched my wife with cancer go through the nasty side effects of steroids and then I got PMR. The idea is to try and take an amount that reasonably keeps the inflammation in check. I think that can be different for each person. I used Dr Megan - Prednisone Pharmacist for most of my understanding of steroids. She sells a product but her videos are very informative. Of course the self taught experts on this site have walked the plank.