Back pain

Posted by kaydall @kaydall, Nov 4 7:28am

Hello, I'm 2 years in to my PMR journey and am tapering... 0.25-0.5 reduction, every 4 weeks. Currently 4.25. Rheumy and I are thrill to be under 5.0. However, I have significant back pain that is not spine related. Lumbar muscles on both sides of spine esp when twisting, extending up into muscles under shoulder blades. (I also have neck and shoulder pain that wraps around under collarbone area but this neck/shoulder pain was the first symptom before diagnosis and has persisted throughout except with highest dosing of pred. )
Heating pad seems to help some with back pain. Tylenol or aspirin helps too but I don't like to taking tons of pain relief meds all the time. This side effect seems to increase with new tapering levels. No knee, or hip pain. The twisting pain makes exercise difficult.
Anyone have this issue and found relief / therapies outside OTC meds?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

reets70 | @reets70 | 5 days ago

In reply to @graycie17 "I take Tylenol arthritis it works pretty good for the pain. Stronger than regular Tylenol." + (show)

I also take Tylenol Arthritis. It does help, but I feel like I’m popping pills constantly! Seeing the rheumatologist today and hoping to taper the prednisone. I’m gaining weight very quickly on this med.

kaydall | @kaydall | 5 days ago

In reply to @gloriad "Hello. I have upper back pain and especially around the left collarbone area. Was down to..." + (show)

I do. PMR first presented for me with neck and collar one area pain. When I taper, that pain comes back most often there.

gloriad | @gloriad | 5 days ago

In reply to @kaydall "I do. PMR first presented for me with neck and collar one area pain. When I..." + (show)

How interesting. Thank you. This is such a strange and bizarre illness to deal with. Frustrating to say the least. Good luck with your symptoms.

nothatkaren | @nothatkaren | 4 days ago

What you are describing is my experience as well. The back pain is different than "normal" pain. It is very deep and burning and for sure is not due to strain or injury. I'm newly diagnosed and am tapering on Prednisone. Started at 65mg, 10 days, then 50mg 2 weeks, now 25mg, but the back pain has returned with a vengeance at that dose. I don't know what I'm going to do. Will be seeing my GP in the next few days and hoping for a referral to a rheumatologist. Good luck with your journey and managing your pain.

kaydall | @kaydall | 4 days ago

In reply to @nothatkaren "What you are describing is my experience as well. The back pain is different than "normal"..." + (show)

Insist on a referral. GPs just don't usually know the ins and of this journey. It's hard enough to figure it out even with a specialist. Hope you find a good rhumey.

kc8591 | @kc8591 | 3 days ago

I’m experiencing very similar symptoms as your description.
I’m just at 10.5 mg of prednisone and starting to notice more back pain and shoulder and neck pain.
I’ll be going very slow on my tapering from this point on.
Just know that you are not alone.