shoulder neck pain. Is it a flare

[Sumojo]

I have recently, 3weeks , reduced to 5mg. Felt fine until a few days ago. Now have shoulder/ neck/ headache. Is it a flare or simply a strained neck muscle

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Bit difficult to say with no background to go on….but 3 weeks after a taper could indicate it is.

But have you done anything recently that could account for the pains…lifted something heavy, moved furniture, gardening, need new pillows….?

If it is a flare, then link contains usual advice to deal with it - just follow example adjusting to your own dose -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Sumojo in reply to DorsetLady]

what a marvellous reply. Thank you so much. I understand PMR so much more than I have ever done. Sue.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What did you drop to 5mg from? But as DL says, 3 weeks after a drop is about the right time to discover that new dose isn't QUITE enough.

[Sumojo in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, three weeks is about right.

[Karenjaninaz]

I get this, without tapering, from staring at my phone reading the news. It stopped when, as a Lenten practice, I deprived myself of this diversion. Began again when I resumed.

[Sumojo in reply to Karenjaninaz]

I was wondering if it was using my iPad too much.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Sumojo]

You need to take regular breaks - as with any device...and give your shoulders a good roll...