Lower back pain and stiffness

[oscarandchloe]

2019 diagnosed with GCA, 45mg Pred tapering down to 4mg over the year and no return symptoms of GCA but PMR developed so back to 15mg in 2020 and slow taper down to 5mg at present. I have no pain/stiffness in my lefthand hip side but an inclination to stiffness in my right lower back - starting next to tail bone and stretching across buttock which I had on and off pre-PMR/GCA has developed big time. I do have osteo-arthritis in that hip (X-Ray + MRI) but absolutely no pain in the groin and inner thigh so the surgeon will not do a replacement. The discomfort in my buttock/hip prevents me from walking any distance, is worse on standing from sitting and can't tolerate any standing for length of time. MRI scan shows no problem with joints (except osteo hip) and I've been referred to a pain clinic. I try to stretch every day with yoga, can't exercise now by walking and feel trapped into inactivity just when I feel the worst effects of PMR/GCA/ Pred. are on the wane. Has anyone else suffered similar ? Can this also be connected to PMR? I'd be grateful for any thoughts/info that this lovely group could offer.

[SheffieldJane]

I had a bout of agonising sciatica that lasted for 6 weeks in the first flush of being a new granny. It sounds very similar. Only rest and not carrying the beloved baby and his equipment helped. Do painkillers take the edge off?My key PMR symptom was bilateral groin pain, quite different but equally disabling, I definitely required 20 mgs of Pred to get on top of it.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

These exercise from versusarthritis might help…if you aren’t already aware.versusarthritis.org/media/2...

As an aside, I didn’t have groin or inner thigh pain either, but had hip and buttock pain as you describe……but I did get an op as hip was “in a right mess” according to surgeon.

[jinasc]

Piris Formis Syndrome - look it up. - Physio did zilch for me, acupuncture worked.

I have sent you a PM.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I get similar effects due to spasmed low back muscles - myofascial pain syndrome, specifically piriformis syndrome. It was well controlled with the right physio and the ministrations of the pain clinic here - until Covid ... Good therapeutic massage is ideal.

[Flutterbies57]

I am in a similar boat to you so will be interested to see what others have experienced

[2013mayo]

Hi, I too have this pain, I’ve no idea what caused it, I’m trying to get walking again after a huge op on my hip and thigh but I’m getting this sharp pain coming from just above op in my buttock to my spine, it’s very painful. I’ve had back problems for years so it may be just because I’ve started using my legs again. It’s a shame as it’s slowing my progress down. I’m seeing my physio today so I’ll let you know what she makes of it. It may be similar to your problem.

Take care.

[Pixix]

Yes, but mine diagnosed by doctor as sciatica. Comes on regularly when weather is cold& can take weeks to go again. Also, as I reduce the pred more & more arthritis issues rear their ugly head...my rheumy warned me it could happen...the pred masks it & helps it. I think it’s wise to seek medical advice as it could be a few different things. I cannot stand for more than a few minutes before pain starts, but I can go for quite a long walk, but not a pain free one! I also have a benign tumour on my spine, but don’t start Googling & think you have a tumour, please!