Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) refers to an inflammatory condition in which there is pain and stiffness in the muscles in various parts of the body, mainly including those of the shoulders, neck, hips and arms. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs. The symptoms of this condition occur on both sides of the body. These symptoms tend to start suddenly and become worse in the morning and after inactivity or being in the same position for a long time. The affected body parts may have limited range of motion. In addition, general symptoms may also occur. These include fatigue, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, anemia, depression and sudden weight loss. Over time, the intensity of these symptoms may become severe, causing interference with performing daily routine activities such as bathing, dressing, combing hair, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair or bed and can make sleeping difficult. Consequently, it can affect the person’s social life.
The reason behind this condition is still not clearly understood. But it is thought to be of autoimmune origin. Autoimmune means damage caused to the body’s healthy tissues by accidentally disease-fighting body cells. A combination of genetic and environmental factors (such as some viral infections) play a role in causing this condition. This condition affects women more than men. Women are two to three times more susceptible to this condition than men. It occurs in people over 70 years of age. It is also seen that few people with this condition also suffer from temporal arteritis (a condition that causes inflammation of the temporal arteries that supply blood to the head and results in symptoms such as headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain and vision problems) .
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy offers a very effective solution for cases of Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Homeopathic medicines enhance the body’s natural healing mechanism to overcome health problems naturally. These medicines help reduce inflammation of the muscles and provide symptomatic relief. They tend to provide wonderful relief from pain and stiffness of muscles. These medicines gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms. Both acute (recent) and chronic (long-term) cases can benefit from homeopathic medicines. These medicines are of natural origin and are therefore very safe to use and have no side effects. The homeopathic prescription for polymyalgia varies from case to case depending on the characteristic symptoms of an individual. It is therefore advised to consult a homeopathic doctor for the most suitable prescription and in any case avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic Medicines for Polymyalgia Rheumatica
1.Rhus Tox – Top drug
Rhus Tox is the leading drug for treating cases with marked pain and stiffness in the muscles. This medicine is equally useful when there is pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder or hips. The main feature of using this medicine is the worsening of symptoms after rest or periods of inactivity. Relief is obtained by moving the affected part.
2. Sanguinaria Can – For pain in the right shoulder
This medicine is effective in controlling right shoulder pain. In most cases, the pain can radiate to the upper arm. The pain gets worse when lifting the arm. In some cases, the pain becomes worse at night. The pain sometimes increases when you turn over in bed. In addition, it is useful to relieve stiffness and pain in the neck. It gets worse with exercise.
3. Ferrum Met – For left-sided shoulder pain
Ferrum Met is beneficial for treating left shoulder pain. The pain from the shoulder can shoot down the arm. The pain tends to get worse with movement. There is pain when one raises the arm. Applying warm water to the shoulder can help relieve pain. When using this medicine, the pain can be drawing, shooting or tearing in nature.
4. Cimicifuga Racemosa – For neck pain and stiffness
This medicine is of great value in the treatment of pain in the neck and marked stiffness. In cases where this is necessary, there is a feeling of contraction in the neck. Any pressure on the neck aggravates the pain. Head movements also increase pain. The neck can also be sensitive to touch.
5. Guaiacum – For pain in neck, shoulders and thighs
This medicine is useful if you feel pain in the neck, shoulders and thighs. There is pain at the back of the head. The neck is also noticeably stiff. The stiffness can radiate to the back. Shoulders can also be sensitive to touch. In addition, this medicine is also useful for controlling thigh pain. The pain is worse when sitting. The thigh muscles feel short and tense. Pain from the mid-thigh can radiate to the knee.
6. Bryonia – For pain that is made worse by movement
Bryonia is a well indicated medicine for the treatment of cases where pain is aggravated by movement. There is relief by taking rest. The pain can be sharp, aching or tearing. There is neck pain, especially on the right side with stiffness. It is made worse by touch and also by movement of the head. It is also indicated for relieving hip pain, mainly stabbing or shooting in nature.
7. Arnica – For muscle pain with pain
This medicine is highly recommended for controlling body aches along with marked pain (pain and tenderness to touch). The affected parts feel painful, as if they were being hit. There is fear of touching the affected part out of pain.
8. Magnesium Phos – For pain better with warm applications
Magnesium Phos is indicated when there is a tendency for pain to be relieved by warm application to the affected area. Pain may be shooting, sharp, convulsive or lightning, as in nature. The pain can shift from one place to another. The pain is accompanied by excessive fatigue and heavy sweating. In cases where this is necessary, applying pressure can relieve muscle pain.
9. Colocynth – For the management of hip pain
Colocynth is an important drug to treat hip pain. The pain can be cramping, drawing or shooting in nature. The pain is relieved by applying pressure or lying on the affected side of the hip. This medicine is recommended for continuous pain in the hip. Pain is felt while sitting, lying, standing or walking.
10. Gelsemium – For excessive fatigue
Gelsemium is a suitable medicine for the treatment of muscle pain accompanied by obvious fatigue. In cases where this is necessary, pain and stiffness in the neck occurs. There is pain in the shoulders. Shoulder pain gets worse at night. Cramping pain is felt in the thighs and hips. The pain increases at rest and also when you start walking. At night, burning pain in the hip may be felt that disturbs sleep.
11. Ledum Pal – For thigh pain
Ledum Pal works well for thigh pain. In cases where this is necessary, the thigh pain becomes worse with standing and walking. The pain in the thigh is worse by touch. Along with the pain, a feeling may arise as if the thigh muscles are not in the right place. In addition to thigh pain, this medication is also useful in treating stabbing pain in the shoulder. Pain in the shoulder is made worse by lifting the arm.