Recommendation NSAIDs"...Reassessment is mandatory if ocular or other symptoms develop; in such cases, the steroid dosage must be increased..."

A rheumatic disease that involves tendons, muscles, ligaments, and tissues around the joints. Pain, aching, and morning stiffness in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips characterize the disease. It is sometimes the first sign of giant cell arteritis (a disease of the arteries characterized by inflammation, weakness, weight loss, and fever).

An inflammatory condition, usually occurring after the age of 55, that causes pain or aching, usually felt in the large muscle groups, especially around the shoulders and hips. (Polymyalgia literally means "many muscle pains." Rheumatica means "changing" or "in flux.") PMR may be associated with giant cell arteritis in some patients.

The Condition"...the ESR was strikingly elevated in 99% of patients, hemoglobin levels were decreased in 47%, a2-globulin levels were abnormal in 33%, aspartate aminotransferase levels were elevated in 23%, and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in 10%..."