$Unique_ID{BRK00782}
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$Title{What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?}
$Subject{polymyalgia Musculoskeletal muscle muscles pain stiffness neck
shoulders shoulder waist Corticosteroids blood tests Rheumatica PMR fever
appetite discomfort}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?


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QUESTION:  I am interested to know if you know anything about a disease known
as Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).  Also I want to know is it a form of cancer?

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ANSWER:  I will be happy to share what I know about this disease with you.
This is a condition which produces severe pain and stiffness in certain
muscles including the neck, shoulder and waist.  The stiffness is most evident
in the morning and getting out of bed can be a real trial.  Despite the
severity of the pain and stiffness, there is no loss of power in the muscles,
so no muscle weakness is seen.  The condition is most often seen in adults
over the age of 50, and women seem to develop it twice as often as men.
Occasionally there are symptoms of fever, loss of appetite, and a general
feeling of discomfort, but they are not always present.  The diagnosis is
confirmed by blood tests, particularly the sedimentation rate, as well as
muscle biopsy.  The good news is that there is an effective and rapid
treatment.  Corticosteroids (cortisone like medications) usually provide a
rapid response, so that symptoms may diminish and disappear within a day or
two.  Medication is continued until the blood tests return to normal and all
symptoms are gone.  This may require that the medication be taken regularly
over a long period of time, in some cases years.  And no, it is not at all a
form of cancer!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.