Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the muscles and joints, most commonly in the neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle. It typically occurs in older adults and is characterized by widespread muscle pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. While the exact cause is not fully understood, PMR is believed to involve immune-mediated inflammation that disrupts normal muscle and connective tissue function.

Early recognition and proper management are important, as persistent inflammation can significantly impact quality of life and emotional wellbeing.

Signs and Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Common symptoms of PMR include:

  • Persistent muscle pain lasting at least one month, involving two or more of the following areas (neck, shoulders, pelvic girdle – hips and thighs)
  • Morning stiffness lasting longer than one hour, often improving as the day progresses
  • Reduced range of motion, making everyday tasks difficult
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Depression or low mood, often linked to chronic pain and reduced mobility
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Absence of other conditions that could explain the musculoskeletal symptoms

Pain and stiffness are often worse upon waking and may be accompanied by general feelings of unwellness.

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
  • Address underlying inflammation issues
  • 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