Sacro iliac pain and stiffness

[Caradomben]

Has anyone had sacro iliac pain and stiffness whilst tapering

[piglette]

I have had SI pain, but I have not associated it with tapering particularly.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Looking at previous posts, you seem to have had this problem on and off for a long time…..have you followed it up with doctors or assumed it’s PMR. Plus 2 years ago you said you were down to 1mg Pred , what are you on now and what’s happened in between?

Might be useful if you gave us more information - preferably on profile so it’s easier to find, then we could piece the jigsaw together….and maybe give you a more precise answer.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is a permanent part of my PMR - caused by myofascial pain syndrome in general in the form of greater trochanteric syndrome and piriformis syndrome. All are more common in PMR patients although they can exist in their own right and often improve at higher doses of pred, reappearing as you get to lower doses - so it looks as if the tapering is to blame.

[Marcy47]

I had sacroiliac pain before PMR hit me, which was sorted by an osteopath. However since tapering below 7mg of Pred I have had lower back pain and stiffness which comes on as I get up in morning, I use a hot pad on it while having breakfast and taking pills, currently on 5.75mg,and as I move around more it eases and by the end of the day it is gone, only to return the next day! My rheumatologist wants me to continue tapering 0.5 a month, if I can't cope with that she wants to put me on Methotrexate .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marcy47]

If I were that low already - I would refuse mtx.

[Poshcards]

I suffer permanently with this pain, but not due to tapering xx

[HeronNS]

I've done physiotherapist-recommended back exercises for many years which I guess must have been preventing this very problem, judging by the picture in this article.

spine-health.com/conditions...

[Linny3]

The best back exercise I was ever given for the si joint works miracles. I Lay down on my back near the edge of the bed. (don't fall off)

My troublesome si joint is on my right side. I lay down on my back. Pull my legs to my chest. Hold the right lg in that position and let the left leg dangle for a count of about 30. Bring that leg up and lower both legs. Start with 30 seconds and extend to 1 minute over time. For me, once or twice, takes care of it for awhile, until it flares again. This is what I do. It may not be suitable for all, so please check with your dr before trying any exercise.