Is my neck pain linked to GCA/PMR

[Agavegirl]

I’m feeling low. Pleased to be down to 2mgs but then got hip bursitis again - left leg this time. I thought - OK I know what to do. But then the neck pain started. Going from the left and across the base of my head. Paracetamol gives only limited relief. Could my neck pain be linked to PMR/GCA? Advice appreciated. Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Impossible to say really. Usually we'd say if paracetamol relieves it it is less likely to be GCA but even that has to start somewhere! It could be due to the low steroid dose and poor adrenal function. It could be tight neck and shoulder muscles.

[SheffieldJane]

I would be concerned about the possibility of it being the beginnings of GCA . I often get neck pain with my GCA/LVV if I pass my optimum dose for comfort. In this case I need to stop the taper and return to the dose I was last comfortable at and stay there for a few weeks. In your case it maybe an indication that your PMR has morphed into GCA and you need a high dose to control it. I would report this to the doctor. I never had a biopsy but was diagnosed by ultrasound scan. Look out for accompanying symptoms and watch out for eye issues. Good luck!

[Agavegirl in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for your reply. I started with GCA nearly two years ago and tapered down to nothing but then had PMR symptoms. I’ll go back to 5 mgs and see if it helps.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Agavegirl]

Whether the 5mg helps or not, you do need to get it checked out.

[Agavegirl in reply to DorsetLady]

Managed to get a telephone consultation with my GP who recommended going up to 5mgs but she will consult my rheumy. I also emailed my rheumy so I will see if there’s any different advice. So grateful for my local NHS services.

[nuigini]

Weakness and pain in my neck and across the shoulders, along with other symptoms is one of the typical indicators of a flare of PMR for me.

If it's a stand alone problem, I would consider other causes and look at exercises, over the counter meds, etc.

[Grammy80]

I have GCA and recall neck pain crawling up my neck to the base of my skull and then over the top of my head! It is important to check that out. I recall just rubbing and rubbing my neck..... 💞

[kiteekat]

Hard to say if its winter aches & pains or GCA. Rheum advice needed. Looks like our GCA journey is similar & I have hip bursitis started & pain generally in pelvis plus stiff leg joints, better for exercise. Just had an MRI. What do you do to help hip bursitis as a matter of interest? (I'm in Dorset)

[Agavegirl in reply to kiteekat]

when I had my first bout of bursitis I was given exercises by a physio. They worked but took time and commitment of about 20 minutes per day for some weeks. There are similar exercises on line for the condition. One group of exercises that I find convenient is a standing exercise where you swing the affected leg (straight) forward, backward and sideways. You probably need to do others as well but you can do this group easily if you have a few spare minutes.

[Agavegirl]

Update on - is my pain linked to GCA/PMR? Turns out to be a GCA flare. Can’t praise the NHS enough. Phoned my GP Wednesday who contacted my rheumy. He phoned me and organised an X-ray and blood tests yesterday (Thursday) and increased my prescription to 30mgs. Rheumy phoned with blood test results which showed my inflammation markers were very high. I have a telephone consultation on Tuesday to check on whether my pain has gone. It’s going to be a long road to reduce again but so pleased to have quick advice.