72 yr old woman on the PMR rollercoaster from may 2017.
last 2 weeks on 5 mg prednison after major flare last 3 months.
Now neck very sore end of day, but actually better after resting. Can this be PMR or a symptomatic osteoarthritic neck. ( old xrays already show this, but usually no symptoms).
And if it is OA would you try regular paracetamol before increasing the prednison dose
( again!) . Thanks for thinking with me.
If it comes on as days goes on -and it’s not a particular issue first thing in morning - that would suggest it isn’t PMR.
So maybe try painkillers initially and see if that helps.
Thank you, I will take paracetamol as advised on the packet: max 6 a day.
As you advised in one of the other posts paracetamol also has side effects, so if it does nt work, I will, again, opt the prednison slightly, as we do, reluctantly!
Have you tried gel for neck - there are many different ones for osteoarthritis-have a look online - might save the amount of paracetamol required.
yes, I have used this, not sure whether it helps or not!?
When you say it is better after resting, what position do you rest it in?
Not much rest at the moment, which possibly contributes! The heat!
I sleep sides and back, whatever knocks me out! Also with grandchildren at the moment , 1 and 3, which is more dynamic than my usual life!
We will organise heatpump when at home and Usually, osteo necks settle down by itself, unlike Pmr, we all know that!
So we will find out.
I asked because you said it gets better with resting so I wondered if clues could be found in the position that helps.
As DL says - if it is an end-of-day problem it makes it less likely it is the PMR.
I'd try painkillers, warmth and/or ice and look up some sternocleidomastoid stretches. And maybe see if the GP will provide some physio.
If you haven't already, try to see a physiotherapist who will be able to assess you and prescribe exercises. I have OA in my cervical spine, some of which is now quite severe, and starting exercises something like 30 years ago (yes, I got my OA young!) has really been a blessing. The exercises which were prescribed for me are really simple and easy and designed to keep supporting muscles stronger. The physiotherapist then, and the one I have now, have both wanted recent x-ray reports. Except when PMR struck that part of my body (obviously a weak part) I've not needed painkillers.
I get this. I think it is at the end of the day because my head feels heavy and being seated is not a great help. My husband massages my neck and can feel hard knots of tension. He often manages to relieve the pain completely. I don’t think that PMR would behave like this. I do have Cervical Spondylosis diagnosed by X Ray and there is a risky operation I am told. A good physio might be useful, my last one was not very good -just a sheet of exercise I do recommend massage and paracetamol though. Good luck, ask for a X Ray or a scan.
everybody : thanks for advise and lovely attention, it all helps a tremendous lot!
Take care everybody.
I always have a stiff neck with a flare, but it doesn't get better after resting.
Currently I am having physio for a stiff neck. It may actually be PMR: I haven't a clue but my philosophy is that if the physio doesn't help, then I'll have a better idea of what is causing it.
Is this a flare up of PMR
Neck Crepitus: Is this onset of GCA?
Is this PMR?
