PMR and Sciatica with Back Pain

Hi, i had PMR when I was in my 50’s and had no problems with sciatica. It has recurred and I am now 74 and have some sciatica. I tend to think it is an indirect effect of PMR. Pain in one place causes me to alter my gait leading to pain someplace else. I do walk daily and do a senior exercise class 2-3 times a week. This class is now via Zoom, not in person and includes weights, aerobics, stretching. I find the sciatica pain is less likely to occur when I do this class regularly at my own pace. When the pain starts, I take Ibuprofen and mainly rest it for a few days. Interestingly, the first time I got the sciatica pain, it was a day after an acupuncture treatment I was trying??? This was when I was not on prednisone, but I think the PMR was “there”. It is hard sometimes to figure out which aches and pains are a direct result of PMR and which are secondary.

Hi - Yes, I had sciatica (in my left leg) while I had PMR. Not all the time, but typically was triggered by long periods of sitting (such as driving in car). As I slowly recovered from the PMR - I went from 40 mg Prednisone to 20, 15, 12, 10 for many weeks, and then tapered down 1 mg weekly for a total of 5 months - the sciatica also improved and eventually no reoccurrence (so far!). I never had sciatica prior to PMR.

Thank you Virginia for your comment. I used to take the senior aerobic classes but of course had to stop due to COVID. You have inspired me to try them again even though I am still a little worried about COVID.

Thank you for your response. I am anxious to see what my rheumatologist will say about the sciatica. I am so hoping to get off this prednisone but just can't quite make the break. I am so happy that you have recovered. Stay healthy!

The class I “attend” is virtual, on Zoom. We were going to go back in person, but the Delta variant surge of Covid stopped that. We will continue to be virtual for awhile

Mine is concurrent with the PMR but intermittent and depends on what work I’m doing like gardening, chores etc. I am 73 too and walk every day. I’m off Prednisone for one year but have flareups. Very reluctant to ever take it again so manage both types of pain myself in a number of ways.

Good morning, after battling PMR for about 18 months, I’ve been recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) my hips, especially the left side and back were killing me. Did MRI/X-ray and 2 different Rheumatologist agreed that I should try Humira injectable pen. It’s been only one week and already feeling relief. I’ve been off Predisone/presislone and Metholtexate for quite some time. I want to be comfortable in my active lifestyle, turned 60 only 8 months ago. I hope this helps. Take care. Ray Aka the Tinman

Glad you found relief. Have had sciatica and herniated disc for many years. 2 back operations years ago. Flare-up occasionally, but nothing compared to the pain of PMR. I will be 72 in March, but a young 72 and will remain active as long as my body and mind will let me.

Hi,
I have PMR for a second time after 15 years and am currently tapering down Prednisolone on 9mg daily. I have had bad sciatica for several weeks. I also experienced this whwn I was tapering down all those years ago. Is this just coincidence, or is there any evidence of a link ?

Hi @macferse, Sorry to hear you experienced bad sciatica pain when tapering down on the Prednisolone. You will notice that we moved your post to a similar discussion on the same topic here - PMR and Sciatica with Back Pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-and-sciatica-with-back-pain/. We did this so that you can connect with other members like @milld835, @anniekirby, @cjh51, @virginiaj and @susi451 who may have some thoughts on your question of is the sciatica just a coincidence or is there any evidence of a link.