9 months into PMR and after yoyoing I have for the last three weeks been on 20mgs which I am splitting 13/7. I have had a few additional social activities in the last two weeks which have involved me eating "off piste" several times. Previously I have been very good with no sugar, lots of veg, eating organic where I can etc. I mention this as there is talk about Leaky Gut (a long term issue now helped with Mallow Root) as being a potential contrubutor to PMR.
In the last few days my neck seems to be locking down both sides with stiffness and edging on pain. The initial symptom - months before diagnosis was the right side of the neck - I had fallen back in May last year from a stool and hit my occiput on a hard wooden desk - no concussion. Again it is often commented that a physical injury can be a trigger for PMR.
My shoulders are also tight, I have a few spots (acne) on my right shoulder area which may be indicative of blood stagnation (I had acupuncture over a year ago which helped with this - Liver?).
I also would like to apologise if this topic has come up before but I find the "search" engine here hopeless. Nothing comes up remotely linked to what one is looking for!
Any thoughts from this incredibly experienced and knowlegeable forum??
Written by
Alchemy8
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Have you spoken to your GP or your Rheumatologist, my Neck & Shoulders were very big part of my issues.
Amitriptyline is often prescribed for the relaxing of these particular set of muscles, taken at night to relax them & help you sleep.
Have you been doing anything new, ie to do with a Computer or Laptop in a different position? Otherwise l’d be inclined to say your PMR is Flaring but as you are already on 20mg of Prednisolone you need to speak to a Doctor for further advice, a Blood Test to check your Markers would also be useful, as you’ve been on 20mg for three weeks then something is definitely going on......
I'm no expert but I feel your problem may we'll be a result of the bang to your head and maybe trapped or inflamed nerves. If I we're you I'd seek medical advice.
Sugar is an enemy of inflammation- nice but naughty!
Well you should select “your communities” when you post anyway...then at least there is a bit more security for you personally - and hopefully relevance! Although I’m not 100% convinced of my second comment. 😳
This is what HU site says - so your choice - 2nd option is safer from those not on HU -
When posting you will notice there is a “Who can see my posts” feature. The default setting of posts allows them to be visible to “Anyone”, including individuals who are not yet members of the community. This is the option that makes your posts searchable on internet search engines and HealthUnlocked.
The second option is “only followers of my community”, which means only the post title and the first few lines of text will be visible to those who are not members of the community. The author’s username and all replies will be hidden and the post will not appear on Internet searches and HealthUnlocked searches. By doing this will limit the number of people who will find and benefit from the information you have shared, to the number of members on your community (check the number just below the title of your HU community).
They DO appear when you search on HU though - and you don't have to be a member to see the title and part of the post. So then you can join - no checks made on anyone joining a community. So really - what's the difference?
Hi, the acne is probably the result of three things, 1) 20mg Pred will be immunosuppressant enough to make you more prone to opportunistic infections from your natural skin bacteria, 2) increased sugar intake when Pred already causes spikes in blood sugar 3)hormone changes from the Pred.
If it was me with a head neck trauma history, I’d be hot footing it to an osteopath, chiropractor or a very good physio. I would also, make sure you are not adding to it by poor neck ‘house keeping’, especially sternocleidomastoid muscle tension
My daughter had a minor head injury to the back of her head and it took over a year to stop feeling the effects daily. She did have concussion, but the muscle trauma to neck and shoulders needed attention from an osteopath for a few months on and off. Problems can also creep up when the situation becomes quietly chronic, often due to subtle poor posture set up to guard the injured parts.
I am not saying it isn’t PMR but I wouldn’t blame it on everything but deal with that as well so the picture doesn’t keep getting muddy which may make you increase Pred when it isn’t needed.
I've just re-read your post SnazzyD an d looked up the Healthline reference. It really seems to tie in with my issues (kept thinking I was getting GCA because of similarity of symptoms). Will do the exercises and think about the massage though haven't found that very helpful. last night got rid of pillows and lay flat on my back. less pain this am. Maybe CST.
I agree with 123-go and Snazzy that it could well be a long term response to that fall - it is the sort of thing that used to happen to me, long before PMR, and my osteopath would sort it nicely. It was a recurring problem, due probably to the added effect of a scoliosis. I would go along fine for months, sometimes years, and then I would slip or trip and my back muscles seized up in an attempt to save themselves from more injury.
I'd also be suspicious that that is part of the reason you have been yoyo-ing. It is sometimes difficult to decipher the signs of muscle problems of that sort from the underlying PMR and a return of pain on reductions can have causes other than "just" PMR. When the back muscle problem gets to a certain stage the whole of your back can be hard and tender - and very similar to PMR but with some subtle differences. It isn't easy, but once you learn to identfy which is which it can help the tapering process. My back problems are made far worse by certain activities - so avoiding them or working round them helps a lot.
Thank you all (PMRpro, Snazzy D, 123go and Mrs Nails) for your helpful suggestions. I really appreciate them. It would be good if that was the issue re the yoyo. Will keep you posted (if I can find the link again!!!).
Have phoned Dr and will get another blood test and look at seeing my Osteo/Craniosacral practitioner/s. I did see them both after the accident but clearly these kind of issues can be triggered again.
You are all amazing for having responded so quickly. Thak you so much.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Pelvic girdle pain...never had it before
Neck ach 
Pain in jaw and neck 
Head and neck pains
