DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a lot of health problems. One is polymyalgia that makes me stiff and in a lot of pain. I’ve taken prednisone but the side effects were terrible, so I stopped that drug.
I have sleep apnea. During my sleep test, they discovered my restless legs syndrome. I now take Mirapex and Clonazepam and that is controlled.
Would massage therapy be helpful in reducing my pain and stiffness? Also, I’d like to know if there’s a support group I could attend in my area with people who have these same symptoms.
DEAR READER:
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the muscles of the hips, neck and shoulders. The disorder occurs most often in women and in the elderly.
If you are willing to try prednisone again, I suggest you first discuss the dosage you were on with your primary care physician or rheumatologist. Cut the dose and perhaps you will benefit from the modification.
Massage therapy will certainly make you feel better and is worth a try. I suggest you find a therapist who has worked with other PMR or fibromylagia sufferers. You may wish to experiment with acupuncture. Be sure to find a certified individual who practices in a clean office and uses sterilized needles. If you don’t wish to be stuck with pins, you may prefer acupressure. This is similar to acupuncture but doesn’t involve needles, rather the therapist uses his or her hands to apply pressure to certain areas of the body believed to relieve pain, increase circulation and more.
Relief may be found with acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) that reduce swelling and pain. Unfortunately, most individuals do not respond well to this therapy and require prescription pain relievers such as Lyrica and steroids such as prednisone.
Modify your diet to include garlic, nuts, grapes, curry, cherries, omega 3’s, and green tea. All these items have been purported to relieve some forms of arthritis pain.
Formulate a plan of exercise. You might even ask your physician for an out-patient referral to a local physical therapy group at your nearest hospital or sports medicine center. By obtaining professional assistance, you will not overdo, but will be able to incorporate what will work best for the degree of PMR you have. Should you have access to a swimming pool, fitness center or YMCA in your area, water therapy is an excellent indulgence for individuals with arthritis pain. Water aerobics provide gentle range of motion exercise and provide relief for several days following therapy. You might consider a whirlpool mat in the bottom of your own bath tub where you can do limited exercise right at home.
Barring unknown medical problems, the above suggestions should work toward relieving the pain and suffering you are experiencing.
Because I am not familiar with the community in which you live, I recommend you contact the Arthritis Foundation toll free at 1-800-283-7800 or go online to www.arthritis.org to determine the nearest support group in your area.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Managing Chronic Pain”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott