bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Introduction
Polymyalgia rheumatica involves inflammation of the lining of joints, causing severe pain and stiffness in the muscles of the neck, back, shoulders, and hips. The cause is unknown. The neck, back, shoulders, and hips feel stiff and painful. The diagnosis typically is based on symptoms and the results of blood tests. Most people improve dramatically when they takeprednisone, a corticosteroid. (See also Overview of Vasculitis .) Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs in people over age 55. Women are affected more often than men. The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown. Polymyalgia rheumatica may occur before, after, or at the same time as Giant Cell Arteritis . Some experts think that the two disorders are variations of the same abnormal process. Polymyalgia rheumatica seems to be more common. 