Polymyalgia Rheumatica

SOME SYMPTOMS OF POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA ARE:

  • Persistent pain for at least 1 month involving two of the following areas: neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle
  • Morning stiffness lasting longer than 1 hour.
  • Absence of other diseases capable of causing the musculoskeletal symptoms
  • Depression
  • Loss of weight

DIET TIPS FOR PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

  • Increase Magnesium rich foods in your diet, these include almonds, brewers yeast, cashews, molasses, parsnips, soybeans, wholegrain cereals. Calcium rich foods are almonds, dairy products, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, molasses, sardines, and soybeans
  • Reduce acidic foods which contribute to inflammation such as red meat, dairy foods, sugar and preserved and processed foods
  • Alkalise the body by increasing foods which recorrect pH levels such as water, lemon juice, green barley powder, miso soup, sprouts, nuts and seeds, fish and alive foods

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

  • Acupuncture has often been found to be effective in easing muscle pains, balancing emotions and restoring energy levels
  • Encourage gentle exercise such as walking and swimming
  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and massage
  • The healing power of music is often overlooked in today’s busy times, put on some soothing music, take a bath with some epsom salts and relax by candle light

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

  • Flax seed oil or fish oil contain essential fatty acids that dampen inflammation pathways
  • Bromelain – a natural anti inflammatory sourced from pineapples
  • The mineral Magnesium encourages muscle relaxation which may help to ease the aches and pains
  • Anti-inflammatory herbs such as Boswellia, Turmeric, Ginger, Jamaican Dogwood, Devil’s Claw – relieve pain and inflammation
  • MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) – sulfur rich supplement that may help to ease muscle pain
  • CoQ10 is a supplement which increases oxygen, energy production and circulation to the muscles
  • Green lipped muscles are a potent natural anti-inflammatory, these can be purchased in capsule form