Have I made a mistake

[Iloveholidays]

I posted last weekend about having lower back pain and being sick after taking my pred.

Apologies for the long post. The pain in my lower back and side has continued and moved down the front of my leg which is numb. I saw the GP who said I had a trapped nerve to take painkillers and if no better in a week or so he will refer to physio. The pain has been so intense and being able to sleep in nye on impossible, a friend suggested going to an osteopath and I thought why didn’t I think of that, I have had osteopath treatment in the past - before PMR. I had my appointment yesterday, she said I will feel bruised initially and it will be worse before better. I had a a terrible night and all day today. I have noticed now I have groin pain on both sides which reminds me of the pain I had before diagnosis of PMR. Then the penny dropped, I no longer have massage as it could affect the muscles/dons etc. Did I make a mistake seeing an osteopath, could I have caused a flare. All that hands on pummelling on the painful area. The lady had all my health history and knew I had PMR. Feeling very stupid right now. Any advice very welcome.

Cathy 😫

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I doubt it CAUSED a flare - if it is a flare then it was probably hatching anyway. And she did warn you it would be worse before it was better,

Did the GP mention anything particular? I wonder if it is meralgia parasthetica that is stemming from spasmed musles in the back which is causing the pain there.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

[Iloveholidays in reply to PMRpro]

GP said nerve entrapment. He went by my symptoms and he moved my leg into different position whilst I laid on the couch. I did say that it was worse at night and in the morning but eased in later in the day reminding me of before PMR diagnosis, I questioned could it be PMR as have recently managed to reduce from 7mg to 5.5mg pred using dsns. About being stuck at 7 for a very long time. Even though I know PMR is bilateral. The symptoms of the info you gave sound just like it. Thank you

[SnazzyD]

If they know about PMR I’m not sure they should be pummelling. What was their diagnosis or were they going by what the GP said?

I always had trouble after a big adjustment with my gentle osteopath even before all this. So I’m not surprised you feel a bit delicate. It may not be a flare. My worry is that the issue might need a different tack. How did the doctor diagnose the trapped nerve to warrant a conservative approach without urgency. Are your bowels and waterworks ok?

[Iloveholidays in reply to SnazzyD]

Please see reply to PMRpro re Gp. Osteopath said my glute muscles were really tight and I’m very tender in my lower spine. After she finished I felt so much better, no pain but still the numbness. I was even able to lay on my bed and have a nap. At bedtime I couldn’t get comfortable at all.

[Iloveholidays]

Please see reply to PMRpro re Gp. Osteopath said my glute muscles were really tight and I’m very tender in my lower spine. After she finished I felt so much better, no pain but still the numbness. I was even able to lay on my bed and have a nap. At bedtime I couldn’t get comfortable at all.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Iloveholidays]

The numbness will probably take a few days to improve - due to an unhappy pinched nerve.

[Iloveholidays in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I really appreciate your support. So no need to increase pred/sick day rules?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Iloveholidays]

I don't see why at present at least.

[Iloveholidays in reply to PMRpro]

Ok thank you 🙏

[GettingThere22]

I always feel like I have been run over by a truck for the first day or two after Osteo. Then I feel very much better. Give it a bit more time.

[Iloveholidays in reply to GettingThere22]

That’s encouraging thank you, I did get some sleep last night.

[Gooner12]

hi I too have just been diagnosed and seem to have same as you with pain in left leg and was unsure if it was trapped nerve. I saw my osteopath day before being diagnosed and he helped enormously with gentle stretches. Just seen him again and he did more and helped again. Had to up the prednisone from 15mg to 25mg after 6 days and had much better day yesterday. Not too much pain this morning. Told to reduce prednisone to 20mg after 10 days but may try 10% rule which is spoken about a lot on here. Good luck on this awful journey but I guess it could always be worse.

[Iloveholidays in reply to Gooner12]

Thank you for your reply, it’s good to know other people have had this too, although I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I wish you well on your PMR journey.

[Boomerang4]

I have PMR and I recently had exactly the same symptoms as you with the front of the top of by left leg numb and pain in my lower back. At the time I was suffering badly with angina and could not walk much ( almost cured now thanks to stents) so I had to rest and not walk the dogs. I went to a chiropracter who made it worse exactly like with you. The clue to the problem could be rest! however, because of the stress I was under I did increase the pred. slightly. I hope this helps.

[Iloveholidays in reply to Boomerang4]

Thank you, I hope you are feeling better, I’m good at resting and pacing generally due to PMR but i’m finding it hard to rest/relax as I can’t get comfortable sitting or laying down 🙁 it does feel a little better today and I’ve had some sleep which always helps!

[Gooner12 in reply to Iloveholidays]

I’ve found if you lie on the floor with you lower legs resting on a stool it’s quite comfortable and makes pain go away. Can be hard getting up again though 😂

[Iloveholidays in reply to Gooner12]

Haha yes I’d probably be stuck on the floor!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Iloveholidays]

Try laying on the bed (the other way to normal) with your feet raised on a stack of pillows or something more substantial .

[MDT1]

I have seen an osteopath regularly since being diagnosed in 2021 but treatment is always deliberately gentle to avoid stirring up inflammation. Deffo no pumelling but still sore for a couple of days after then settles. Hope yours settles soon x

[Iloveholidays in reply to MDT1]

Thank you, I have another appointment booked and if I go I will be asking for gentle exercises.