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.
(See also Overview of Vasculitis.)
Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs in people over age 50 years. 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 2 disorders are variations of the same abnormal process. Polymyalgia rheumatica seems to be more common.
Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica may develop suddenly or gradually. Severe pain and stiffness occur in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, and hips. The stiffness and discomfort are worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity and are occasionally severe enough to prevent people from getting out of bed and from doing simple activities. People may feel weak, but the muscles are not damaged or weak. People may also have a fever, feel generally unwell or depressed, and lose weight unintentionally.
Some people with polymyalgia rheumatica also have symptoms of giant cell arteritis, which can lead to blindness. Some people have mild arthritis, but if the arthritis is severe or is the main symptom, the diagnosis is more likely to be rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Physical examination
Blood tests
Response to corticosteroids
Doctors base the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica on symptoms and the results of a physical examination. Doctors do other tests, such as blood tests, to distinguish polymyalgia rheumatica from other disorders. Blood tests usually include the following:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein levels, or both: In people with polymyalgia rheumatica, results of both tests are usually very high, indicating active inflammation.
Complete blood count: This test is done to check for anemia and high platelet count, which usually develops in people with polymyalgia rheumatica.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This test is done to exclude hypothyroidism, which can cause weakness and sometimes pain of the shoulder and hip muscles.
Creatine kinase: This test is done to check for muscle tissue damage (myopathy), which can cause weakness and pain of the shoulder and hip muscles. If the level of creatine kinase in the blood is elevated, muscle damage is likely. In people with polymyalgia rheumatica, muscle damage is absent, so the creatine kinase level is normal.
Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies testing: These antibodies are present in up to 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis but not in those with polymyalgia rheumatica. This test helps doctors distinguish between the disorders.
The diagnosis is also supported by how people respond to corticosteroids because most people with polymyalgia rheumatica feel much better very quickly when treated with low doses of corticosteroids.
Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Corticosteroids commonly cause side effects in older adults (see Spotlight on Aging: Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica).
Giant cell arteritis may develop at the start of polymyalgia rheumatica or much later, sometimes even after people appear cured of the disorder. Therefore, all people should immediately tell their doctor if they have headache, muscle pain during chewing, unusual cramping or fatigue of the arms or legs with exercise, or vision problems.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Vasculitis Foundation: About Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Provides information for people with polymyalgia rheumatica, including how to find a doctor, learn about research studies, and join patient advocacy groups
