burning Ali g spine

[Mumdadlove]

I have been diagnosed with GCA Dec 22, started prednisolone 30mg and have tapered a few times but have struggled below 12 and a half, I have recently had to go back to 15mg as recently had headaches and neck pain, things seemed to have settled, but I am now experiencing a burning sensation in my spine, my back feels so sore in the joints, I’ve always had back problems since my 20’s I’m now 66, but it’s just occurred to me could this be PMR, it’s not all of the time more after standing walking etc, but it’s the burning sensation that is really getting me down, I have been to my osteopath and she says my back, neck is very stiff and solid, any thoughts on this please

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it in the spine itself or the muscles alongside the spine?

I have always had back problems too and a lot of it is due to the back muscles that support the spine working too hard and tiring and spasming if subjected to a shock if I stumble or walk on uneven ground. I have a scoliosis and now am developing arthritis in parts of the spine and pelvis. When they are in a bad state then standing or walking for long can be very uncomfortable. I have been lucky here in having physio and other treatments that have helped the pain at source rather than just being dependent on pain relief. I suspect your osteopath would say much the same about my spine.

Worth asking the doctor - it is helpful to know what you are working with.

[Mumdadlove in reply to PMRpro]

I think it is probably the muscles, I am just back from holiday, after going up to 15mg of pred last week I think I have probably over done it, walking, late nights, pulling small suitcase, just so nice to feel normal that you forget you have an illness, this week I have suffered, I tried to drop the pred to 13and half on Tuesday but as soon as Wednesday I felt awful, headache,exhausted everything hurt, so I went back to 15mg, all has calmed down other than my back and this horrible stretching burning feeling, you are right I am sure it is my muscles pulling on the joints, I have another holiday in two weeks but much more relaxing and am having an MRI scan on my back after that, I have a curvature in my spine and it’s def very stuck in the bra strap area, also a larger busted lady so a lot of weight on shoulders and back, have out on a lot with the pred, so all a bit of a hamster wheel, thank you as always for being so helpful

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mumdadlove]

Snap - same here!!

DId you fly/are you flying? Make sure to book airport assistance - it makes such a difference because they deal with your suitcase for you. Don't admit to being able to walk any distance or you will end up walking more than is good for you. It means no rushing, no pushing in crowds and you arrive on holiday or back home feeling human. I always request it, with a wheelchair which means door to door assistance even if you are asked to use a buggy at times.

[Mumdadlove in reply to PMRpro]

We are flying, haven’t had assistance before, but will look into it for this trip, it can be a mile walk just to the gate, thank you