Polymyalgia Rheumatica

By: Tiffany Zumbahlen

And
Sedona Hilt
 The Disease
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is
commonly referred to as PMR.
PMR typically affects adults
over the age of 50.
Woman are typically affected
twice as much as men.
PMR can cause trouble with
daily activities such as getting
dressed, sitting down, and
sleeping.
Autoimmune
PMR is thought to be autoimmune because of its relationship with
giant cell arteritis, another autoimmune disease.
Half of patients with giant cell arteritis also have PMR.
PMR often occurs by itself, but it can also occur with other
conditions such as infections.
Tests on the muscles of PMR patients have normal results, so
researchers believe the elastic lamina in blood vessels are the
primary target affected by the immune system.
 Symptoms
Joint Pain; especially upper
arms, neck, buttocks, and
thighs
Pain is at its worst in the
morning and improves
throughout the day
Pain occurs equally on both
sides of the body
Symptoms can come quickly,
sometimes even overnight
Treatments
o Doctors may give a low dose of corticosteroids
o The dose is 10-15 milligrams per day
o Relieves stiffness quickly
o Corticosteroids can work for some people within
a year other people may take 2 or 3 years
Facts
The name polymyalgia
rheumatica literally means
many aching muscles
Theres a higher percentage
of PMR at higher latitudes
Researchers believe PMR may
be a varied version of
temporal arteritis because of
the common headaches.
 Works Cited
http://www.aarda.org
http://www.healthletter.mayoclinic.com
http://www.lookfordiagnosis.com
http://www.massagetoday.com
http://www.ministryhealth.org
http://www.netterimages.com
http://www.rheumatology.org
http://www.suite101.com
http://www.wedmd.com