I was diagnosed with PMR in Jan. 2022 and put on 20 mgs. of Pred. It has been my experience that .5 (not 5) mg reduction at a time is more than enough. 5 mg. is too much and that's why you're experiencing the pain (again). I have not been offered methotrexate - yet. There is no race to the finish for tapering, go by what your body is telling you. Over the last few weeks I was down to 14 mg. but last weekend experienced much head pressure, jaw pain and some eye involvement and went to ER. After the resident spoke with the Rheumatologist on call, I was put up to 60 mg. Pred and now being tested for GCA (possible biopsy on Wednesday next, but since I've been on Prednisone for this long, it may not be a good result (not show much). I wish you well on this "journey", but slow down the tapering (lack of pain and quality of life also count). Know that you're not alone and keep in touch with this support group and also healthunlocked.com/PMRGCAuk (another extremely helpful support group).