Neck discomfort

[margiebell4]

I've been on prednisolone for two and a half months now and have a strange feeling around my neck. It feels like there is slight pressure as if I am wearing a tight polo neck jumper. I'm presuming it's a side effect. Has anyone else had this?

[Runrig01]

The Pred does cause fat to be redistributed to the neck among other places, causing what is termed a buffalo hump. This tends to restrict your neck movements slightly, and give a tight sensation. I'm afraid there is not much you can do about the hump.

[margiebell4 in reply to Runrig01]

The tight feeling is at the front. Will it be the same as a buffalo hump?

[Runrig01 in reply to margiebell4]

The hump only occurs at the base of the neck at the back. Possibly fluid retention?, Prednisolone does many strange things. Sorry I can't help more, hopefully someone else will be able to help you out. Take care. I have GCA and have had a choking sensation, which my Rheumy says is a symptom of GCA.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Margie, although whilst suffering from PMR and GCA, I developed the buffalo hump that Runrig refers to , I don't remember feeling the "pressure" at the front of the neck that you describe. I'm wondering if the steroids might be causing any allergy-type swelling internally around the throat area, although I'm sure you would notice this when swallowing. Best to get this checked out with your GP. Do let us know how you get on.

[maria40]

I wonder if you are also taking any form of allendronic acid. I had this feeling of being strangled when I took Fosamax (one weekly dose) and had to stop taking it. Have a look at the leaflet with the tablets if you are taking AA and see your GP asap if it's listed as a side effect - or even if it's not to be sure.

[Whytee]

Margie, I have been on pred for PMR for almost two years and have experienced the same tight sensation at the front of the throat. It is exactly as you describe, as if a poloneck is too tight. It has improved as the dose reduced and is now infrequent.

Regards

[margiebell4 in reply to Whytee]

Thanks, that's reassuring. X

[heli13]

I had exactly the same feeling in my neck, I think it's a side effect. I just ignored it and stayed as calm as possible. I was on 60 mg, 2 years later, after lots of relapses I'm on 5 mg. It went off as the dosage dropped. Check with your doctor if you are still worried x