Neck stiffness

[Hankb]

I have been on pred since I was diagnosed with PMR in November 2020. I started with a dose of 20mg and have now reduced this month from 6.5 to 6mg using DL tapering plan. Recently I have a slight but annoying stiffness in the back of my neck could this be related to the reduction in pred doses? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.PS. Since being diagnosed I've not had any tests done other than initial tests to confirm PMR. I am fortunate to have an excellent GP who is very supportive and is happy with my/DL's tapering plan

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

hi,

Could be related to taper -maybe steroid withdrawal if it came on quickly, if it took longer then too low a dose - was it a symptom you had before diagnosis?

Or can you attribute to anything else? -sitting in a draught, carrying anything heavy, different sleeping position, pillows need replacing or new ones?

Maybe try painkillers or heat therapy for a few days -and if nothing works, then you probably have to plump for too low a dose….

if that’s the case, then maybe a return to previous dose may do the trick, but if it’s doesn’t then treat as a flare.

[Hankb in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for reply DL. It didn't come on quickly just gradually. It could be the pillow as I used to use one but changed to two recently. I try going back to one and see what happens and if it makes no difference I'll revert to previous dose of pred.

[SheffieldJane]

The big test and only reliable one is symptomatic. As always DL gives sound advice.

[Hankb in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi SheffieldJane. I agree DL gives sound advice I've had great success so far following her tapering plan, and not forgetting yourself and all the other ladies on this forum, you are stars.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with DL - is anything else stiff?

[Hankb in reply to PMRpro]

No, just the back of my neck. I'll try going back to using one pillow and hopefully it will solve the problem otherwise it will be back to 7mg pred.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hankb]

Changes in pillows are often the culprit for stiff necks and shoulders.

[Hankb in reply to PMRpro]

I hope so.

[LBM1953]

I have had a neck problem since March/April (6.5 mgs). Started left side only. Pain went up the back of my ear and slightly over the top of it. Then went to right side but the left side eased a bit. Now on both sides. Got to the stage where I had difficully getting into the car and driving as I could not swivel my head but had to turn shoulders as well. I have been a bit more active last month or two and managed to swing a golf club again and planning a staged comeback to play golf regularly again. I don't know if this is the reason but since I have exercised a bit more the the condition has eased. I still have it but it is nowhere near as painful. Someone suggested it could be a sternocleidomastoid muscle problem. I am currently tapering from 4 to 3.5 mgs using DSNS.

[Hankb in reply to LBM1953]

Hi LBM1953. Thanks for your reply. It sounds as if your neck problem is more serious than mine. I have no other symptoms other than a stiff neck, I don't have any restriction of movement and I can swivel my head 90 degrees left and right with just minor discomfort. My problem started after I reduced to 6.5 from 7mg, I'm currently on 6.5 and wouldn't like to go back to 7mg if at all possible although if it persists I will have I suppose.

I was a keen golfer playing twice or 3 times a week until I got pmr 2 years ago, I just don't have the energy anymore as I suffer from the dread fatigue a result .

I will definitely try and up my exercise routine and hopefully that will help. Many thanks for your advice. Enjoy your golf.👍🙂

[Knit11]

I get this pain when I reduce. My neck was the last pain to disappear when I started Pred and the first to appear when I reduce. It typically lasts over a week and gradually disappears or at least gets to a level that doesn't bother me. I am currently on 6 mg.

[Hankb in reply to Knit11]

Knit11. Thank you for your reply. I've had this nagging neck pain for about 2 weeks I am on 6.5mg. The pain started around the time I reduced to 6.5. I will try and hang in and hopefully it will disappear as yours did. Thanks for your insight it's much appreciated.

[Knit11]

I hope it will disappear for you 🤞

[LemonZest11]

Hi Hank, can I suggest that you go back to one pillow? My physiotherapist son has told me never to use two unless just for reading, but one for sleeping. It has made a difference to my neck. 🤞

[Hankb in reply to LemonZest11]

Hi LemonZest11. I've gone back to one pillow now and hopefully it will make a difference after a few days, fingers crossed.