Nagging neck pain returns

[Moon_beam]

Thank you for the invaluable advice and support you give on this forum. I have been dipping in and out of the group in the last 2 years of my PMR journey,

I managed to get down to 2.5 mg in Jan 2023 and stayed on this dose whilst I prepared for a trip to Asia. Two weeks after out trip, I developed increasing neck pain and achy arms and fatigue. I knew I was having a flair, so I increased to 5 mg, the neck pain got worse and kept me awake in the night.

Reading Mazxstitch latest thread I increased the steroids to 7.5mg after 5 days. This really helped. I stayed on 7.5mg for 5 days completely painfree, then reduced down to 5mg for 5 days. I plan to start reducing to 3mg tomorrow, however, I have started feeling a nagging neck pain returning overnight and this morning, otherwise full of energy and no achy limbs.

I am at a lost what to do next. My head tells me that I probably shouldn’t go any lower, but my heart does want to go back to slow tapper from 5mg or more. I am in need of an objective point of view.

Thank you again,

Moon_beam

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are you sure it’s all down to flare- have you tried anything for the neck pain - warmth, massage, ordinary pain killers?

I wouldn’t be budging from 5mg until you have exhausted other options… but have to say to get to 2.5mg in 2 years is quick…so you may find that 5mg is actually what your body/illness needs at the moment .

[Moon_beam in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL for reply. I don’t usually get neck ache unless tappering. Whilst on 7.5mg it disappeared. Now just just looking to the left and right I can feel the pull behind my left ear and neck. You are right, I should try a hot water bottle in it, and usually ibuprofen often helps when I’m tappering. I do loath the idea of going back up the dosage. So perhaps I need to stay at 5mg and not be in such a hurry to get to 3 mg. 😔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Moon_beam]

That sounds like sternocleidomastoid muscle tightness and it could have been due to the flight/seats/hauling luggage about. Have a look for exercises to help that - and SnazzyD posted a brilliant video the other day,

[Moon_beam in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro. I will try the exercises as suggested. It is strange that the onset of the neck pain was not until 2 weeks after when the achy upper and lower arms worsened. At the moment apart from the neck, the arms are fine unless lifting up above my head for a sustained period. Should I go down to 3mg as planned tomorrow and take some ibuprofen to ease the stiffness?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Moon_beam]

Not sure I would - maybe go via 4mg?

[Moon_beam in reply to PMRpro]

ok, that would be a good compromise and play by ear. Thank you for providing a reasonable voice to these internal struggles 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Moon_beam]

Agree with PMRpro...4mg..

[Moon_beam in reply to DorsetLady]

thank you DL 😊

[SnazzyD in reply to Moon_beam]

Here is said muscle video. This shows why it can causes wider issues

youtu.be/eD3Ds3GIt9M(Not working as expected?)

Also, this

healthline.com/health/stern...

[Moon_beam in reply to SnazzyD]

🙏 thank you SnazzyD !

[Sharitone]

I can only add that the lower I have got on pred, the more muscles and tendons have started to protest, particularly round the neck. If you think it could be that, then start on gentle stretches straightaway, because it HAS to be slow and gentle, or you can make it worse. Self-massage of your neck also has to be for a limited time only - it also can make it sorer.

Fwiw, I have recently found that having 2 flat pillows instead of 1 has helped it not to get worse. Maybe it would be worth experimenting with pillows?

[Moon_beam in reply to Sharitone]

Thank you so much for taking the effort to respond. You are absolutely right. I have started gentle exercises as recommended by SnazzyD and also have got myself a firmer pillow and I can already feel the ease. I will try 2 pillows too if it helps. It is reassuring to know that you have experienced the same. Sometimes with the different aches and pains one loses objectivity and this forum has been a godsend. Thank you again Sharitone, good luck with your recovery.