Difference Between Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia
What’s the difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia?Although polymyalgia rheumatica and fibromyalgia share many of the same symptoms, polymyalgia rheumatic has definite and specific characteristics which can aid in its diagnosis.
Malaise (general unwell feeling), lack of energy, unexplained weight loss, pain in muscles and joints are some of the similarities.
A key difference between fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia is that Polymyalgia rheumatica occurs more commonly in people over the age of 50 years. Other more obvious differences include localized pain in the hip and shoulder area, anemia and fever. Fever without cold/flu like symptoms iso ften the first indicator of the condition.
Blood test that look for specific arthritis markers along with a test looking at red blood cell count and ruling out any other infectious disease process are commonly performed.
Some distinctive difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia symptoms include inflammation of the head and neck area, which is markedly different from the inflammation caused by high blood pressure.
The duration of this condition can be 1-4 years and prevention and cure are yet unknown. The combination of symptoms can be frustrating, debilitating and painful for those afflicted with it. The bright side is that the condition will resolve itself over time.
The most common medical approach is corticosteroids. It brings along a host of nasty side effects, as anyone on this medication will tell you. However in some it may help alleviate the symptoms. Side effects can include a swollen and chubby face, thining skin, visual changes, stomach pain, weight gain, nausea, headache and allergic reaction in some cases (like skin rashes)
Often times a natural remedy may be a better approach instead of medicines, as medicines side effects can make you feel wore than before the PR symptoms started. Treatment alternatives may include physical therapy, managing pain, improving sleep cycle and incorporating targeted relaxation to various muscle groups.
Although swallowing a pill takes little effort, natural treatments won’t come with the nasty side effects.
