Polymyalgia rheumatica

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Self-care

Introduction

Like most people, you've probably experienced stiff and sore muscles occasionally — maybe after a strenuous hike or a weekend of yardwork. Now imagine feeling that way all of the time. That's what it's like to live with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread muscle aching and stiffness, primarily in your neck, shoulders, upper arms, thighs and hips.

Although some people develop these symptoms gradually, polymyalgia rheumatica can literally appear overnight. People with polymyalgia rheumatica may go to bed feeling fine, only to awaken with stiffness and pain the next morning.

Just what triggers polymyalgia rheumatica isn't known, but the cause may be a problem with the immune system, perhaps involving both genetic and environmental factors. Aging also appears to play a role — polymyalgia rheumatica almost always develops in people age 50 and older.

Polymyalgia rheumatica usually goes away on its own in a year or two — often as mysteriously as it came. But you don't have to endure the pain and disabling effects of polymyalgia rheumatica for months or years. Medications and self-care measures can improve your symptoms.

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Signs and symptoms