Acupuncture and PMR

@gjc111, Do you mean tried accupuncture along with prednisone when trying to taper off of prednisone? @virginiaj posted about using accupuncture in another discussion -- How to address PMR pain while decreasing prednisone: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/138163/

I have had extensive acupuncture in the past year treatment post Prednisone. I decided this week to stop for a while as I had a PMR flare up and the pain from the needles was excruciating. At best I found acupuncture increased my energy and gave temporary pain relief. I’m not sure how much it helps the underlying inflammation. I used a traditional Chinese practitioner but there are many others who practice and some may be more helpful than others. Definitely worth trying it in my opinion.

Recently diagnosed with PMR. Researching all options for treatment.
Has anyone used Acupuncture to help reduce pain?

Welcome @mbcavallo, We merged your post with the following existing discussion on the same topic so that you can meet @gjc111, @anniekirby and other members interested in learning more about using acupuncture to help PMR.

-- Acupuncture and PMR:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acupuncture-and-pmr/
Have you tried acupuncture before?

Thank you

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Friends without PMR have suggested I try acupuncture and/or massage to decrease my pain. Have any of you tried these alternatives to meds or in addition to meds?

Before I was diagnosed with PMR and began taking prednisone, I tried a number of things including massage and acupuncture. Massage was good for about 10 minutes of relief. I had 3 acupuncture sessions. The first two gave some relief for a few hours but not what I needed. The 3rd treatment left me in worse shape than when I started. Thankfully I was finally diagnosed with PMR shortly after the 3rd treatment and began taking prednisone. Sure, there are/can be side effects from prednisone but it gave me back my life. No, I'm not at the level I once was but I have a decent quality of life and few limitations. Prior to prednisone I was almost limited to staying home and no longer working at all. You have to get the underlying inflammation under control and I don't see how massage or acupuncture can accomplish it. Obviously I am a big fan of prednisone. It's easy for those who haven't dealt with PMR to suggest all sorts of alternatives. My well meaning wife, friends and relatives all did the same, but they couldn't truly understand what a person with PMR was dealing with.

Thank you for your input and experience, Raven. I've been reaching for something besides prednisone since it triples my blood sugar. As a Type 1 diabetic that can cause all types of complications, even on a low dose.
Really appreciate your response.

Hi @lanieg, You will notice we moved your post to an existing discussion on the same topic here:
--- Acupuncture and PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acupuncture-and-pmr/.

I see that you have already connected with @raven1955 and I'm hoping other members who have tried acupuncture will also share their experience.

@lanieg I can't say if acupuncture would relieve you, but I would think anything would be worth a try. I don't think I'd try it instead of medicine, but you may get added relief.

I've used it extensively twice in my life.....the first time, my youngest son was getting married in Canada, and I had a cracked femur and needed a hip replacement...I was not missing that wedding. It relieved all the pain...then I had hip surgery! Mission accomplished. The second time was pain relief because my leg length was off, and my back was unhappy.

Just me...worth a try.💞