Connect
← Return to Where have you experienced pain due to PMR?H
Discussion
Where have you experienced pain due to PMR?H
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jul 28 12:27pm | Replies (85)Comment receiving replies
I was just diagnosed with PMR. I have been suffering for many weeks with severe pain in my shoulders, elbows, left hand, & numbness in all 10 fingers, which was diagnosed by two spine specialists as a “pinched nerve”! I went for PT which did nothing! Was given Meloxicam which did nothing! Was given Gabapentin which did less than nothing! I have not slept in weeks! I had an MRI of my neck and upper spine. The doctor said the scan didn’t match the level of pain I was describing! I finally have some validation! The symptoms all match PMR! On the first dose of prednisone I finally am getting some relief! I would love to hear what works for others in the same situation!
Replies to "I was just diagnosed with PMR. I have been suffering for many weeks with severe pain..."
@remargulies
I was diagnosed with PMR in December,2025 .
In October, 2025 I started with right arm pain which kept interfered with my sleep. Then the ends of my fingers went permanently numb ( except my pinkie). I started getting stiff with problems turning over in bed, getting dressed. I could only sleep sitting up because of pain.A massage therapist and physiotherapist agreed that they could not improve my symptoms. Because there is a family history of PMR, my GP started me on 15 mg of prednisone and I felt better in 2 days.
The numbness in my finger tips remained but pain was gone. I then saw a neurologist who thought I could have carpal tunnel as well. I have been wearing splints on my hands at night now for 4 months. The numbness has improved to more of a tingle in my finger tips. I am down to 3 mg of prednisone now and noticing my fingers are not quite as good. But I have also been doing more lifting lately.My GP says hand pain is not typical of PMR. I have not seen a rheumatologist.
Connect
@remargulies
My journey is similar to yours. I started with shoulder and neck pain which was diagnosed as a pinched nerve. I had X-rays to check for structural damage which I have plenty in my cervical spine. I went to a pain management specialist, had 5 weeks of PT, had an MRI showing the extent of my cervical spine issues, went to a neurosurgeon and then two others before one of them said my pain was not from my cervical spine and he ordered blood work. He thought I had an autoimmune disorder and my inflammation markers were off the charts. Five months after it all started I was having constant and extreme pain in my neck, shoulders and hip girdle. A rheumatologist finally diagnosed PMR. My journey didn't end there though. He saw blood work pointing to a blood disorder so he sent me to a hematologist oncologist. I also have SMM, so I can't be on prednisone. I'm starting kevzara this week.