Polymialgia is a condition or syndrome that has characteristics of affecting the muscles of the neck, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle with aching and stiffness but no direct weakness. Indirect weakness may come from the painful movements. It most commonly affects individuals over the age of 50 years. Although there is no specific diagnostic test, the diagnosis usually involves some blood testing. The diagnosis will be based on the presenting history of the condition, physical exam and blood work that looks at markers of inflammation.
Polymialgia has distinctive symptoms that prevent it being confused with other types of arthritis or pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. The standard medical approach of corticosteroid treatment will also be discussed. Lastly nutritional supplements that may assist the condition will be touched upon.
Muscle pain and stiffness are the most dominant features of Polymialgia. The areas experiencing these symptoms will be the upper back, neck area and upper arms, the lower back region and hip area. The pain is usually on both sides of the body with a severe aching nature about it. Although the pain can be felt with movements and may feel like it is coming from the joints, it actually originates from the tendons which join the muscles to the bones and the muscles themselves. The morning can be the worse time for these symptoms and slowly as the body moves more they should ease, however they will reoccur with any periods of long inactivity like sitting at a table or for a long car ride. The symptoms may arise very quickly, almost overnight or develop gradually.
The typical medical treatment involves the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The approach of this has been shown to be more beneficial for those suffering from milder symptoms of polymialgia. Usually 2/3rds of people who start on a regime of NSAIDs will discover they have to switch to corticosteroid treatment. Many physicians will choose a drug called prednisone as a common treatment. A starting dosage of this will be anywhere from 5-20mg of prednisone daily.
A non medical approach could involve the use of nutritional supplements. Supplements like fish oils have been shown to help with inflammatory conditions. These are readily available from health food stores. The mineral magnesium plays important roles in reducing pain and decreasing muscle stiffness, both of which are totally applicable to polymialgia. Also the supplement curcumin, which is a derivative of tumeric has been shown to aid in decreasing the inflammatory response in the body. Vitamin E has been shown in animal studies to reverse the increase of pro inflammatory mediators. A recent study of arthritis patients found that taking a natural vitamin E for 3 months resulted in halving their pain levels. Also the popular vitamin C has long been acknowledged for it anti inflammatory properties. It can work very well in combination with vitamin E.
If you are looking to ease the symptoms of aching muscles or stiffness that come with polymialgia there are a few options available.Treatment may consist of prednisone which is a common medical drug for the condition or a natural nutritional supplement that helps ease pain and inflammation.
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Tags: condition, medical approach, pmr polymyalgia, polymialgia, polymyalgia rheumatica causes
