Hi @ccarrasca, Welcome to Connect. 8 years is a long time for an occurrence of PMR. I've had two separate occurrences of PMR. The first one lasted 3 and half years before I could taper off of prednisone and then it returned 6 years later and it took me 1 and a half years to taper off the second time. Both times I was started with 20 mg prednisone dose. Do you think there is a possibility that the jabbing pains are not related to PMR and possibly due to a pulled muscle or injury? Have you discussed the pains with your rheumatologist or doctor?

It is quite possible that your pains are related to the strained back muscles. I cannot speak to PMR pain patterns, but those you describe are like what my my clients (also 79, been a highly trained masseuse for 50 years) experience with back strain injuries. It might be a good idea to get a referral to physical therapy from your primary.