Polymyalgia

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which takes its name from the greek word 'polymyalgia' meaning "pain in many muscles".

PMR can be caused by an inflammatory condition of blood vessels such as temporal arteritis.

PMR is a syndrome with stiffness and/or pain typically occurring in the neck and shoulders, sometimes in the hips. The pain can be sudden, and can also occur gradually over a period of time.  

Most PMR sufferers begin the day with pain in their muscles.  In rare occasions, some sufferers developed the pain during the evenings.  People with polymyalgia rheumatica can also have temporal arteritis, a dangerous inflammation of blood vessels in the face.

PMR is usually treated with courses of oral corticosteroids.  The majority of people with PMR need to continue the corticosteroid treatment for up to 2-3 years.