Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic inflammatory disease and, like rheumatoid arthritis, occurs in multiple parts of the body. In medical terms it is also called ‘polymyalgia rheumatica’. Literally this means: muscle pain in multiple places that resembles rheumatism.

What causes polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is one of the autoimmune diseases. In this condition, the body, as it were, turns against itself. The exact cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not yet known. It is true that the disease occurs almost exclusively in people over 50 years of age.

Moreover, polymyalgia rheumatica occurs twice as often in women as in men. In general, polymyalgia rheumatica also resolves again, although this can take two to three years.

In some people, polymyalgia rheumatica is permanently present (chronic), with quiet and active phases of the disease alternating.

How can polymyalgia rheumatica be recognized?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by pain and stiffness in muscles throughout the body. In particular, the muscles around the neck, shoulders, and hips are most affected. This pain and stiffness are usually most severe at night and in the morning.

Fever, reduced energy, weight loss, and a depressed mood are also symptoms that can occur with polymyalgia rheumatica.

In practice, fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica are often confused.

Fibromyalgia stands for connective tissue (fibro), muscle (myo), and pain (algia). It therefore does not concern only the muscles, as with polymyalgia rheumatica, but also the tendons and ligaments of the body. Moreover, fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory disease and therefore does not need to be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

How is polymyalgia rheumatica determined (diagnosed)?

If polymyalgia rheumatica is suspected, the primary care physician will order blood tests. Particular attention will be paid to inflammatory markers in the blood and any anemia. To rule out other conditions, the physician may consider an röntgenfoto (X-ray) or an MRI scan.

If additional testing does not reveal other conditions, the possible diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica will be made based on age, symptom pattern, and blood values.

How is polymyalgia rheumatica treated?

Treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica is twofold. To combat pain and inflammation, the physician will prescribe medication. To address muscle symptoms and stiffness, it is wise to start exercise therapy, preferably under the guidance of a physical therapist.