Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition of unknown cause which is characterised by severe bilateral pain and morning stiffness of the shoulder, neck and pelvic girdle. There is ongoing debate as to whether or not PMR represents a form of giant cell arteritis (GCA), or whether they are distinct conditions, as they often co-exist, they share many common features and both respond to corticosteroids.1 40-50% of people with GCA have associated PMR, and around 30% of those with PMR go on to develop GCA.2
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/polymyalgia-rheumatica-pro