Polymyalgia rheumatica

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Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease of the muscles that causes pain and stiffness in the hip, neck, or shoulder area. The cause is unknown, but polymyalgia rheumatica is the result of the body's immune system reacting against itself, known as an autoimmune response.

Polymyalgia rheumatica usually begins after age 50. Pain and stiffness are usually worse in the morning. Depression and weight loss may also occur.

Polymyalgia rheumatica sometimes occurs along with a condition called giant cell arteritis (GCA), which causes symptoms such as headache, jaw pain, and loss of vision.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is usually treated with corticosteroid medicine. This disease usually responds to treatment, with symptoms decreasing within weeks. Medicine may be needed for 1 to 2 years to prevent symptoms from returning.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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