HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Pain In The Neck And Shoulder?

My dad is 93 and has had a history of polymyalgia rheumatica. He has been treated successfully in the past with Prednisone. He is now suffering again with pain in his neck and shoulder. His new doctor doubts that it is PMR and is reluctant to prescribe a steroid. Are there any definitive tests to confirm the diagnosis? Thank you.
Fri, 10 Mar 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for the query at HealthcareMagic

There is no single diagnostic test for Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels in blood are checked to rule out Polymyalgia Rheumatica(PMR).
Normal ESR and CRP excludes Polymyalgia Rheumatica(PMR). Increased ESR and CRP indicates inflammation and is suggestive of PMR
Tests like MRI spine, Xrays of bones and joints, Thyroid function tests, are also done to exclude other causes of muscle pain.

Follow up with your doctor to get the relevant investigations done

Hope I was able to answer your question
Please feel free to address any more concerns
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
I find this answer helpful

3 Doctors agree with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Pain In The Neck And Shoulder?

Hello, Thank you for the query at HealthcareMagic There is no single diagnostic test for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels in blood are checked to rule out Polymyalgia Rheumatica(PMR). Normal ESR and CRP excludes Polymyalgia Rheumatica(PMR). Increased ESR and CRP indicates inflammation and is suggestive of PMR Tests like MRI spine, Xrays of bones and joints, Thyroid function tests, are also done to exclude other causes of muscle pain. Follow up with your doctor to get the relevant investigations done Hope I was able to answer your question Please feel free to address any more concerns Regards, Dr.Lekshmi