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Non-bilateral neck pain
I have many of the classic PMR symptoms and responded immediately to a 15 mg dosage of Prednisone. I’ve been tapering since the original prescription and am now down to 5 mg. Of course some pain and discomfort has returned with each taper but can usually be managed with acetaminophen.
Here’s my issue. I have neck pain that is distinctly on one side. The pain varies, usually feeling like a strained muscle. It can make it difficult to drive (head turning) and occasionally even difficult to hold my head up. It runs in a line behind my ear from my lower skull to my shoulder. I’ve had this pain off and on for more than a year which was prior to my PMR diagnosis. No vision issues other than occasional dry eye which I attribute to the Prednisone.
My rheumatologist suspects that it’s a separate issue like osteoarthritis but when I try to talk to my GP about it she simply says to reach out to my rheumatologist. If I have osteoarthritis in my neck what type of doctor would I need a referral to? How do I convince my GP that not all of my aches and pains are PMR?
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It sounds to me like you have a vetebrae out of alignment. You might try what I do when that happens. Roll up a towel towel... about the size to fit under your neck while laying on your back. If it's a large towel, just roll as much as you need to feel it but not too much pressure. Then lay on the floor or other flat surface with that under your neck and concentrate on relaxing.
I used to get muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories but found the towel option successful.
I wonder if these pains could be a migraine because that's how most of mine start.
I also suggest asking to see a neurologist to rule out anything having to do with your brain.
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3 ReactionsWill your GP send you for an X-ray of your neck? I was having vertigo and my GP ordered an X-ray. That’s how my neck osteoarthritis was diagnosed.
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3 ReactionsHave the same type pain you describe, xray confirmed degenerative changes in a vertebrae. Stopped riding my motorcycle because I couldn't turn my head, no longer felt comfortable. I'm tapering prednisone from a bout of GCA earlier this year, so the pain is not as bad but the stiffness is persistent. I can tell the difference between that and when PMR was active.
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4 ReactionsIt amazes me how well we are able to distinguish between the different pain. I've had fibromyalgia for many years as well as migraines. I have no trouble telling them apart. The one thing I have noticed lately that at three weeks+ on Prednisone and I've only had on migraine. It was more of a flirt and took the Imitrex right away.
I keep looking for silver linings... ha.
I'm sorry you had to give up riding your bike, that had to be hard.
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2 ReactionsYes, the ole silver lining! The aches and stiffness I deal with now compared to the debilitating first round prior to diagnosis almost feels like a blessing. I'm with you, find the good in every day.
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2 ReactionsYou are not alone, my neck pain is on right side, as yours from bottom of ear down to shoulder. The back of my tongue even hurts. Had a MRI which didn’t really give any answers. I’ve had this for several years, even before PMR. You’re the first other person I’ve heard of with this, thanks for sharing.
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4 ReactionsOne of my current problems is that I am having trouble separating the effects of aging (78) and PMR. In the past five years I have changed from an active and energetic 70 year old to a stooping creeping old woman and am having physical and emotional trouble coming to terms with it. I am treating each nw problem as just old age and looking on line for guidance. The pain in my neck is much better after updating my diet, moist heat treatment and exercise of the neck and shoulders. Also changing to a natural osteoporosis supplement helped too. Thank goodness for this forum it has helped me keep things in perspective.
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3 ReactionsI have the same right ear to neck pain which I associate with PMR pain.
I have lessened it with a pain ointment compound originally prescribed for my knees.
I also lie on my back with an ice pack under my neck around 6:00 pm after supper when my neck and shoulders pain peeks (?!) Relief is
very rapid.
At my (early) bedtime (7-8:00) I take
a tiny dose (5mg) of THC and CBD both legal in Alaska. They quickly induce a deep sleep between brief urination wake-ups.
Prednisone 4mg down from 20mg
6 years ago. No real remissions!
Too much induced bad dreams and
can lead to psychotic thinking.
I’m up at 5:30 in my assisted living
home. I’m 88 ( 38 above the neck and 108 below the neck)😇👍🌹
Anyone with luck in Eastern medicine out there
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4 ReactionsAn ice pack, what a great idea! A bag of frozen veggies could also do the trick. Good tip!
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1 ReactionI meant the ability to distinguish between pain from different maladies, mine being pain from PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) and from Fibromyalgia.