I'm new.

[Merrybell11]

Hello all you good people,I've been reading your posts now for sometime,all very helpful.Ive been diagnosed since February and immediately doctor knew what it was, so prescribed predinslone. Wonderful relief from that day on. Down to 10 mcg. But I have a very bad backache for the last three months or so,and no painkillers work.I have seen the doctor about it, no help there, get back to you on that as I've gone blank at the moment. Will look forward to your replies.

[HeronNS]

Can you get physiotherapy for your back? If I didn't have a slate of back exercises I do every day I'm sure I'd be immobile by now. Physiotherapists can help you relax spasmed muscles which can cause pain. Additionally, they can prescribe simple (although very boring) exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, which lessens the likelihood your pain will increase, and eventually it may go away altogether.

[Merrybell11 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you, I have been referred for physio but not heard from them yet.😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What sort of backache?

As Heron has already said spasmed mucles can cause a lot of problems and something called myofascial pain syndrome is one cause - and is often found alongside PMR because it is caused by the same inflammatory substances just they are concentrated in what are called trigger spots or in the fascia, the transparent skin you see on joints of meat or poultry which encloses all large muscle groups. It can often be helped by physiotherapists working on the trigger points.

[Merrybell11 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you,hopefully physio and exercises will help. It's sore all the time now, when I do housework or stand it's very painful. I walk the dog every day,so I'm keeping moving. No meds help.😖

[HeronNS in reply to Merrybell11]

Have you tried application of heat and cold, alternating, or just heat if that works better for you? It sounds like you do need to relax tension in your back. This may not be the cause of the pain, but tension in the muscles won't help. Hopefully you can get a proper assessment soon.

Do you remember doing anything which might have triggered this pain? Years ago on my way to work I slipped on black ice, slamming my tailbone on concrete and having a full metal water bottle also pushed into the small of my back. Somehow I got through the day in extreme pain. When I got home I collapsed into a comfortable chair and within a short time realized the warmth was helping me relax and the pain, which had been reminding me of childbirth, eased considerably. So, just maybe, finding something to relax the tension the pain is causing will break this unfortunate feedback loop and help you cope until you get treatment.

[Merrybell11 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you ,you've all been a great help, you mentioned spasms,that is exactly what it feels like.Someone also said something about a muscle relaxant, I happen to have amitriptyline which was given to me to help me sleep, I tried taking three of those through the day and it works a treat,they are only 10mcg so doesn't affect daily activities. I am very grateful to all of you for your help.😍