Suggest Treatment For Polymyalgia Pain Relief

Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014

Question: I have gone off and on with polymyalgia for the past year and a half due to takine Medrol without a maintainence dose. It finally left. Don't know if God took it or what. I'm just glad it's gone. Anyway, during that time and since it left, I still have extremely painful shoulders, upper arms, and, at times, pain goes clear through my hands. It is extremely painful to even butter a slice of bread. What should be done to stop this?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Exercises and stretches plays important role.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.

Polymyalgia can not be totally cured, you can only minimise symptoms by taking various medications. I advise my patient’s amitryptiline and duloxetin or Lyrica (pregabalin) you can take consulting your treating doctor.
Thats good that you are off medrol now.

Exercises and stretches plays important role in maintaining symptoms of Polymyalgia
Co ordinate all exercises and stretches with breath.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and tens will help, along with knee exercises.

A holistic approach is required, which includes exercises, meditation, SKY [sudarshan XXXXXXX yoga] and acupuncture along with healthy diet and herbs.

For osteoporosis
Check your bone strength with DEXA SCAN and you can start medication according to level of osteoporosis,
You need to start supplement of calcium with vitamin D, vit B12, and if osteoporosis is severe then bisphophonates can be started.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj