Has anyone tried acupuncture for help with PMR pain? If so, please give details such as how long, how successful, how expensive, etc. Thanks!Annufl
I do not have GCA, but am a member of a support group. People with PMR have tried Acupuncture and whilst they said it made them feel better, it did not help with the pain. The people who have tried a TENS machine say that helped the most.
Before spending any money, if you are in the UK, check with the British Acupuncture people and they will tell you the correct answer. They also hold a list of members.
Mrs. UK, does the tens unit help with the muscle spasms? I've tried increasing my prednisone but am still having some pretty severe muscle spasms in my shoulders, neck and base of skull. I also have fibro & osteoarthritis so not sure which is the culprit. Thinking about asking one of my doctors for a script for a tens (to help with cost) to see if it would help.Thank you for your input. I have sent an e-mail to the British Acupuncture people. Unfortunately, my TENS unit has not been helpful - probably because my pain is primarily in my arms (shoulder through fingers), making it difficult to place the electrodes satisfactorily. Your help on this site benefits many of us and is much appreciated.Russellcat
I use the Tens machine for fibrositis and then discovered that a mate, who has PMR had bought the machine that goes round her waist, she puts one set of electrodes on her left thigh and t'other on other leg and can walk for nearly two miles. Without it - she could not walk 16 yards.
Quite a few people get relief from TENS. It interferes with the nerves that transmit the pain to your brain. So you really still have the pain - just don't feel it.
Can you borrow one to try before you buy?
If they work, its better than another pill.
Russellcat
I knew I had missed something. I have osteo-arthiritis in one knee, when I had an episode with pseudo-gout, they could not give me the usual anti-inflammatory, instead I was prescribed 1500mg per day of Glucosamine and told that it would take about 4-6weeks to kick-in. But that it did not work for everybody. Hey presto, it cured the pseudo gout within two weeks and helped the osteo no end. I am now on glucosamine for the rest of my life - or until the knee gives out. It is amazing the difference it has made and guess what, its homeopathic.
I've read alot of reports on glucosamine and most of them show little or no help but I worked for the Iams pet food company for 9.5 yrs and they put glucosamine in their large breed dog foods because they tend to have joint problems. Maybe I'll give it a try or at least speak to my rheumy about it, don't want to add even homeopathic meds without docs advice.