PMR Medical Abbreviation

• Muscle pain and stiffness: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) primarily causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hip area. This discomfort is usually symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body, and can make everyday tasks like dressing, reaching, or walking difficult.

  Morning stiffness or after inactivity: Stiffness tends to be most severe in the morning or after periods of rest, sometimes lasting for an hour or more. This prolonged stiffness is a hallmark feature of PMR and helps distinguish it from other conditions.

  Reduced range of motion: Muscle stiffness and inflammation can lead to a limited range of motion in the affected areas. Once easy tasks, such as lifting the arms or bending at the hips, may become challenging.

• Low-grade fever: Some people with PMR experience a mild fever, which reflects the inflammatory nature of the condition. This symptom may come and go and is often accompanied by general discomfort.

  Fatigue and weakness: Persistent tiredness and weakness are common, even after sufficient rest. Fatigue can affect daily life, reducing the ability to perform physical activities or maintain normal routines.

  Unexplained weight loss: PMR may cause unintended weight loss, often linked to inflammation and reduced appetite. Sudden or unexplained weight changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

  Mild depression or malaise: Feeling low, irritable, or generally unwell can occur alongside the physical symptoms of PMR. These emotional changes are often a response to chronic pain and fatigue rather than a separate mental health disorder.

Important: These symptoms can mimic other conditions, so accurate diagnosis is essential.

• Age: Polymyalgia rheumatica almost exclusively affects people over the age of 50, with the risk increasing as you get older. It is rare in younger adults, and the likelihood of developing PMR rises significantly after 70.

  Gender: Women are more commonly affected than men, with studies suggesting they are nearly twice as likely to develop the condition. Hormonal differences and immune system variations may contribute to this higher prevalence.

  Ethnicity: PMR is most frequently seen in people of Northern European descent, including those of Scandinavian or British ancestry. While it can occur in any ethnic group, the condition is far less common in people of Asian, African, or Hispanic backgrounds.

The exact cause of PMR is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. PMR is considered an autoimmune-related inflammatory condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing muscle and joint inflammation.

• Genetic factors: People with certain genes, particularly those common in Northern European populations, appear to have a higher susceptibility.

• Immune system abnormalities: Overactive immune responses may trigger widespread inflammation in the muscles and joints.

• Environmental triggers: Infections or other external factors may occasionally act as triggers, though evidence is limited.

PMR is closely associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a related condition affecting blood vessels, suggesting that vascular inflammation may play a role in its development.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosing PMR can be challenging because symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lupus. Doctors typically use a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests, and imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

• Medical history and physical exam: A doctor will evaluate muscle pain, stiffness, and range of motion, especially in the shoulders, neck, and hips.

• Blood tests: Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) indicate inflammation, which is a hallmark of PMR.

• Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to detect inflammation in the joints or bursae, helping rule out other conditions.

Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications and to start treatment that can rapidly relieve symptoms.

Doctors may also run tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia

Treatment for PMR focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving mobility. Most people respond well to low-dose corticosteroids, which are considered the mainstay of therapy.

• Corticosteroids: Prednisolone or similar drugs are prescribed to quickly reduce inflammation and stiffness. Treatment usually starts at a low dose and is gradually tapered over months or years, depending on symptom control.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These may be used for mild symptoms, though they are generally less effective than corticosteroids.

• Lifestyle measures: Gentle exercise, stretching, and physical therapy help maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. A balanced diet and adequate rest also support recovery.

• Monitoring for giant cell arteritis: Because PMR is often linked to GCA, doctors monitor for headaches, vision changes, or jaw pain, which require urgent treatment.

With proper treatment, symptoms of PMR can improve rapidly, often within days to weeks, although long-term management and regular monitoring are essential to prevent flare-ups and manage corticosteroid side effects.