Low back pain

[AneitaB]

Hi- I’m new to this forum. I was diagnosed with PMR about seven months ago. After being on 30 mg of Prednisone I am now down to 7 mg. I no longer have any neck or upper body pain but the low back pain persists - always worse in the morning, and when coming to a standing position after sitting, turning over in bed, and when straightening up after bending forward. Does anyone else have similar PMR pain? I’m trying to figure out if it’s the PMR or another issue. Thanks!

[Yellowbluebell]

Hi welcome to the forum. I suspect that you have gone below the dose that works for you and these pains are pmr raising its head. You have tapered very quickly. It isnt a case of gettingn off pred asap but managing the inflammation on the lowest dose. I would ask to see your gp if you are not happy to adjust your dose yourself and ask if you can go back up to the dose where pmr pain was managed.

As a.comparison.i was diagnosed August 2018 and started on 15mg but i am now only on 9mg. My taper schedule is from my rheumy and gp. Ihave had a very smooth ride with my taper mainly because of taking it slow. Others will mo doubt be along with their advice regards the pain and tapering plans. Keep us informed o how you get on.YBB

[SheffieldJane]

I have a similar low back pain, mostly when I have been on my feet for too long. I have had an X Ray and significant deterioration was found in my lower spine. Osteoarthritis I guess. My Rheumatologist does not think it is PMR. Putting my feet up helps and Paracetamol. I go through decent phases of no pain at all.

[Suet3942 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I’m exactly the same Jane. You could be describing me.

Happy Christmas. Xx

[SheffieldJane in reply to Suet3942]

Happy Christmas Sue. Just cried myself through a Christmas Carol.

I hope your New Year is precious!Jane xxx

[Suet3942 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thinking of you, xxx

[SheffieldJane in reply to Suet3942]

Thinking of you too Sue! 🎄🕊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

It may be due to too low a dose of pred - you have reduced quite quickly, but could also be just back pain (which was previously masked by the medication. Does sound suspiciously like my spondylitis.

Here are a couple of links, first explains different types of pain, second some exercises that might help. But you do need to ascertain what it is, so perhaps see physio -

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/l...

[Hellyowl]

I had low back pain especially when I had to lean slightly forward cooking and loading the dishwasher. I had a scan and there was some arthritis in my spine. The consultant suggested Pilates and in six months it was gone and never came back. My muscles can now support my spine better.

However I took my granddaughter ice skating two days ago and have strained a muscle in my back so I am in self inflicted pain for Christmas.

[nuigini]

As others have said it could be PMR or low back issues unrelated to PMR. I've had lumbar issues for decades which have got worse over the years and have also been causing bilateral leg issues that many docs put down to PMR. A recent detailed series of tests identified the key issues and I am using exercise to help ease the problem.

I've been doing a number of exercises over the years in an effort to strengthen my back and discovered that some of the movements may have been exasperating the problems of an aging spine, mainly those involving flexing backwards and twisting at the waist. I would advise you, and anyone with low back pain, to do their best in trying to determine the reasons before undertaking an exercise regime. I say this with tongue in check though, as it took me 7 years to get a proper diagnosis!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - I have a similar problem in the low back which is due to myofascial pain syndrome causing the back muscles to go into spasm. It provides me with a perfect excuse not to use the hoover/brushes I am able to access therapeutic massage here when I live - but even that has its downsides! As it releases the tight muscles that puts a bit of imbalance onto the other muscles and the same can happen as does with leaning forwards which also puts those tense muscles under extra strain so they respond by spasming to protect themselves.

Mine was a great deal better when I was able to do Pilates regularly.