Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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neck pain?.

hawkeye53
hawkeye53
I've had neck pain and other symptoms for about 5 years. Since starting meds for RA this summer including prednisone I've felt considerable relief from this. My rheumy wants me to cut my prednisone dose in 1/2 from 5mg to 2.5 mg as she'd like to make a decision at my next appointment in a few weeks whether to switch to a biologic med. I tried prior to the weekend and noted increase in pain/swelling in hands and feet and increase in neck pain. Increased back to 5 mg dose as weekend coming and had alot of kid activities needed to do. Does the decrease in neck pain with prednisone mean may have some swelling and/or RA activity in neck area? Does anyone else have RA symptoms in neck?
trishcorsi
trishcorsi
Have nothing in my neck, have you ask about Meloxicam? It is specifically for inflammation. It seems to be a lot easier on the system than steroids. Good luck on your upcoming visit. Trish
altoclef
altoclef
Is she having you cut your prednisone to convince you that a biologic is a good idea? If so, sounds like she proved her point! You don't have to switch, you know. If you start the biologic and get good relief, then get off the prednisone.

Sally answered the neck question, but here's another aspect of it. Have you had problems with your jaw joints? Mine are completely screwed up and have been for 25 -v 30 years. That can cause big-league neck & upper back pain, too. If the prednisone has helped your neck, yes, you had inflammation there.

Give the Hawkeye state my regards. (I was raised there.)