Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder that results in pain and stiffness in your shoulders, neck and hips.

Symptoms

Pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning
Low grade fever
Weight loss
Sudden loss of vision, headaches and jaw pain when chewing, if you have an associated condition called temporal arteritis

Risk factors

Age
More common in individuals with northern European ancestry

Diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Detailed medical history and physical exam
Laboratory testing
Biopsy of the temporal artery when associated temporal arteritis is suspected

Treating polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Corticosteroid medication such as prednisone
Steroid sparing agents, such as methotrexate
Newer more specific medications are in development