Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition, most common in older adults, that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips.
Clinician: Abel Getachew, UK-registered clinician (GPhC 2217107). Verify registration.
Common symptoms and presentation
Typical symptoms include stiffness that's worse in the morning, aching in the shoulders and hips, and sometimes tiredness, low mood or mild fever.
How The Nelford Clinic assesses this
Assessment covers your symptoms, how they developed, relevant blood test results where available, other health conditions and current medication, since PMR needs to be distinguished from other causes of joint and muscle pain.
Who this service may be suitable for
May be suitable for adults with symptoms and test results consistent with PMR who need initiation or ongoing management of treatment.
When online treatment may not be appropriate
Online assessment isn't appropriate where diagnosis is uncertain and needs in-person investigation, or where symptoms suggest giant cell arteritis (a related condition affecting blood vessels), which needs urgent same-day medical assessment.
Treatment approach
Standard management of PMR typically involves a short course of an oral corticosteroid, with the dose gradually reduced over time under clinical supervision, alongside monitoring for side effects.
Suitability and treatment are always decided by individual clinical assessment. A prescription is never automatic and is not guaranteed.
Safety and follow-up
Regular review and monitoring are arranged throughout treatment, since corticosteroid dosing needs careful adjustment and supervision.
Caution: When to seek urgent care
Sources and clinical guidance
These are neutral background resources, not a description of Nelford’s own clinical protocol.
For how this content is prepared and kept current, see Clinical standards and governance.
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