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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffPolymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread muscle aching and stiffness, primarily in your neck, shoulders, upper arms, thighs and hips.
Although some people develop these symptoms gradually, polymyalgia rheumatica can literally appear overnight. People with polymyalgia rheumatica may go to bed feeling fine, only to awaken with stiffness and pain the next morning.
Just what triggers polymyalgia rheumatica isn't known, but the cause may be a problem with the immune system, perhaps involving both genetic and environmental factors. Aging also appears to play a role.
Polymyalgia rheumatica usually goes away on its own in a year or two. But you don't have to endure polymyalgia rheumatica for months or years. Medications and self-care measures can improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
