Signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Autoimmune diseases happen when the body's natural defense mechanisms attack normal healthy cells. Polymyalgia rheumatica--or PMR-- is a rare autoimmune disease most often found in older women of European descent. 

PMR is an inflammatory condition causing stiffness and muscle pain. Symptoms include stiffness or pain upon waking in the shoulders and hips, and in PMR the shoulder and hip pain usually happen in both shoulders and both hips at the same time. 

About 15-20% of people who have PMR might also be more likely to develop its companion disease--giant cell arteritis. If someone develops giant cell arteritis. The disease then progresses to attack the arteries of their head and neck--causing neck pain, temporal headaches, and tenderness. 

Dr. Robert Goodman is a board certified rheumatologist with arthritis and rheumatology clinic, and he explains possible complications with PMR and giant cell arteritis if left untreated. He says, "sometimes that inflammation goes unrecognized, the arteries of the head and neck can be so damaged that can cut off vision and cause strokes. So blindness and strokes can be a complication of these two diseases or these companion diseases."

PMR and giant cell arteritis are both typically treated with corticosteroids to help decrease inflammation. If you believe you may have symptoms consistent with polymyalgia rheumatica or giant cell arteritis, contact your rheumatologist, or you may be able to self-refer to Dr. Goodman's office. For more information, visit this link.